Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pointed out that the culture of silence is hampering efforts to rid Jamaica of child abuse and related trauma.

He was speaking at the handing over ceremony of the new Child Protection and Family Services Agency’s Therapeutic Treatment Centre, at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston, yesterday.

Mr. Holness cited data which indicated that approximately 80 percent of the nation’s children experience or witness, some form of psychological or physical violence.

The Prime Minister noted that adults must do more to intervene and report cases of violence which involved children.

Mr. Holness said child protection starts within the community and involves all its members.