Minister Gibson-Velox Urges Vigilance, After Child Abuse Video Surfaces Online

An image of the Minister of Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, Occupational Safety and Labour, Laverne Gibson-Velox. This image was obtained from the Agency for Public Information.

By Val Matthias. Updated 4:04 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Ministry of Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, Occupational Safety and Labour has confirmed that it is investigating a disturbing video circulating on social media depicting the physical abuse of a child.

Minister Laverne Gibson-Velox announced that the Child Development Division acted immediately upon receiving the report, ensuring the child’s safety and ongoing protection. She emphasized that the ministry continues to monitor the situation closely to safeguard the child’s welfare.

“The protection of our nation’s children is a shared responsibility. Let us continue to work together to keep every child safe,” Gibson-Velox stated.

The Minister reminded the public that under the Child Care and Adoption Act of 2010, the immediate safety, welfare, and well-being of every child must be paramount. Section 12(1) of the Act defines a child as being in need of care and protection if they have been abused by a parent or another person, and the parent knew or ought to have known of the possibility of abuse but failed to act.

Minister Gibson-Velox underscored that safeguarding children requires collective effort, stressing that the ministry will continue to act decisively to protect vulnerable minors across the nation.

The Ministry thanked citizens for their vigilance and urged anyone with knowledge or reasonable grounds to suspect child abuse to report it without delay. Reports can be made to the Child Development Division on Halifax Street, by calling 494-6748 or 456-1111 ext. 3914 and by visiting the nearest police station.

All reports are treated with strict confidentiality and may be made anonymously.

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