The victims are said to include young boys.
The situation is reportedly so distressing that a number of the victims — mainly children between ages 12 and 16 years — have reportedly developed suicidal tendencies.
Against this background, head of the St Mary Police, Superintendent Bobette Morgan-Simpson, has called on stakeholders in the parish, especially local government representatives, to encourage residents of the parish to report cases of sexual abuse.
"...I am asking you as heads of agencies, councillors — whoever you are — when you talk to your people, when you have your meetings, just encourage them to look out for their children, because some of these cases are not reported until a long time after [the offences are committed]," she said pleadingly.