The group is now certified in recognising the signs of and preventing child sex abuse.

The two-and-a-half-hour training session, which took place on February 3, outlined five steps to protect children, through a video, workbook and group discussion, revealing little-known facts about child sexual abuse. For example, 90 per cent of children who are abused know their abusers, and 30 per cent of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members. Forty per cent of children are abused by older or more powerful children.

“Protecting our children and keeping them safe is the responsibility of everyone in our community. I would encourage you all to sign up to one of the free courses, visit Cayman Islands Red Cross for more details,” said the Governor in a Facebook post.

An estimated one in 10 children experiences child sexual abuse before their 18th birthday, according to Darkness to Light research studies.

For the D2L training schedule or to register email deputy@redcross.org.ky #keepthemsafe