Generally, according to the Department of Social Services, the total reported cases of child abuse overall represented a reduction in 2007 as compared to 2006. Nevertheless, the Minister of State for Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner is concerned. We say rightly so.

The minister is not satisfied with the numbers game because fundamentally the acts of abuse against children, and anybody for that matter, are abhorrent, repugnant. As the good book says, "pity the little children."

So it is indeed refreshing that Mrs. Butler-Turner, having examined the numbers, is not satisfied and inclined as others seem to be, to blow a trumpet to hail the success of the system. She obviously understands there is a bigger picture to look at and we applaud her for the willingness to admit that all's not well.

The numbers, although from 2006, are appalling. We're dealing with some 190 cases of child neglect, 118 reported physical abuse incidents, 127 acts of sexual abuse, 22 reports of incest and 11 verbal and emotional abuse cases.

There have been some quite horrific deeds against the young. To make the solid point of why the minister must keep her alarm lights blazing, we recall the recent high-profile case of an egregious sexual offense against a six-year-old.

Socially, the country is under siege like never before and champions for the cause like Mrs. Butler-Turner must stand up. As she is doing now, the minister must always rise above the mere numbers and focus on the hundreds of children who are helplessly caught up in personal environments which offer them no safety from the abusers, who as the experts would tell you, are mostly family members or close family associates and friends.

The list of the perpetrators is frightening and very bothersome. Reference is to fathers, male cousins, older close male friends of the family, male mentors, live-in male friends of mothers and male neighbors who know just when the children are home, defenseless and easy preys.

Yes, Mrs. Butler-Turner, there is a situation we must address that is much deeper than the numbers recorded. Firstly, against the numbers recorded, there are perhaps the same number or more not recorded. The welfare and social workers know the truth.

They know of the many little girls who are afraid to inform their mothers about what her male friend does when the mother is at work. They know of the young girls who have hinted to their mothers, only to be brushed aside and ultimately determine to go with the flow.

They know of little boys who are deathly frightened to say a word about what has happened to them and continues to happen. And there are also those cases of tots - two, three and four years old - being molested by human beasts.

So yes, Mrs. Butler-Turner, we share your deep concern and encourage you to continue to look beyond the numbers and to be consistently open about the problem faced in this country with child abuse.

The Child Protection Month 2008 webpage (www.bahamas.bov.bs/childprotection) is an appropriate vehicle to assist with greatly bringing the numbers of child abuse down. The theme "Educate, Inform - Child Abuse is Wrong" is ideal.

Continue to heighten the awareness Mrs. Butler-Turner. Our children need you to do so.