Investigation launched to alleged cases of abuse at children’s home

An investigation has been launched into the alleged abuse of multiple children at a local children’s home after an undated video went viral on social media showing children being beaten, Minister of Social Services Frankie Campbell said today.

The incident is purported to have happened at the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel on McKinney Drive.

The children were beaten with what appears to be a stick. In the eight-minute video, the children were lined up to receive their punishment. It is unclear why they were beaten. Other children and adults watched as the scene unfolded.

Although the video had no sound, several children appeared to cry out as they were struck repeatedly. A few minutes into the video, a few more adults joined in. Several women were seen holding children down as they were beaten. An adult in a wheelchair also beat a child as another attempted to hold that child still.

Only the home’s administrator is authorized to beat the children, according to the hostel’s policy.

The video prompted outrage across social media, with some calling for the police to look into the case.

When contacted today, a manager said to call back in 30 minutes.

Campbell sought to assure the public that the matter will be investigated impartially.

“We will leave no stone unturned and we will let the chips fall where they may,” Campbell told reporters outside Cabinet.

“… If someone is culpable the chips will fall where they may.”

He added, “I want to thank all who have expressed genuine concern and to reassure the public that this matter will be properly investigated; it will be partially investigated.

“I’ve spoken to the chairman of the board at the Children’s Emergency Hostel (Arthur Peet) and we are on the same page.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/investigation-launched-to-alleged-cases-of-abuse-at-childrens-home/