There is much talk these days about what steps are to be taken to protect the children in the society.

Some people are saying that the law should be amended so that those found guilty of harming, sexually assaulting or murdering children are jailed for life. There are groups which are calling all law-abiding citizens to pay special attention to the nation's children.

Last week, a policewoman said she was having frequent discussions with people at her church and in her community in an effort to ensure that they remain on the alert for people who want to harm children.

"I am very frightened and concerned about what is happening to the nation's children, and I have been advising all law-abiding citizens with whom I come in contact to be vigilant for the safety of our children," the policewoman said.

Not up to cops alone

She further stated that: "I want people to know that the police alone cannot solve or prevent these vicious attacks on our children, so all law-abiding citizens should not be afraid to give information or notify the police when they see a crime committed or is about to be committed."

"Once parents used to fret for their girls when they sent them out, but nowadays the boys are in the same danger as the girls, because men are sexually molesting both boys and girls,"she concluded.

Laws have been passed to punish persons who abuse or sexually molest children. The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Act was passed in 2007. Section 3 of the Act states in part that "the object of this Act is to prescribe measures to prevent and combat trafficking in persons with particular regard being to victims who are women and children, by protecting and assisting victims of trafficking".

The Child Care and Protection Act was passed in 2004 and places a duty on persons to report cases in which they suspect or have information that a child is being or is likely to be abandoned, neglected or physically or sexually ill-treated or is otherwise in need of care and protection.