The St. Maarten/St. Martin Christian Council held a town hall meeting on the topic of “Coping with abuse in the Family” in the Parish Hall on Wednesday.
Former Safe Haven president Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet spoke about the impact abuse has on families and how they should deal with it. Psychologist Judith Arndell was slated to speak about abuse in the family as a result of substance abuse and steps to be taken, and Court of Guardianship director Richelda Rodriguez-Emmanuel dealt with the legal aspects of child abuse. Following the presentations, the speakers interacted with speakers. “Believe it or not, but on a daily basis several families in the community are faced in one way or the other with abuse, be it physical, mental, criminal, child abuse or abuse as a result of substance abuse by a family member. Let us not deny it or hide it under tables or chairs, but let us deal with it,” said the Christian Council when announcing the session.
