As the country observes World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, many Jamaicans will be marching the streets of the Corporate Area in peaceful protest against the increasing cases of violence against children.

The march is scheduled to begin at the Police Officer’s Club on Hope Road in St. Andrew at 3 p.m., through to Half Way Tree then to the Emancipation Park in New Kingston.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the park at 6 p.m. in memory of the children who have lost their lives to violence.

Member of the organising committee for the march Robert ‘Dickie’ Crawford said the move is aimed at highlighting the severity of the country’s escalating crime problem, especially crimes which target children.

Mr. Crawford said a forum would be held after the march on several proposals to address the vicious attacks on children.

He is also calling for the revival of the Neighbourhood Watch Programme with a greater focus on child and women protection.

He said individuals need to be actively involved in crime prevention strategies.

Despite short-term measures implemented by the government to stem the acts of violence, the country’s crime rate continues to escalate.

More than 60 children have been killed since the start of the year.

Of that number many had been abducted, sexually assaulted then murdered.

Many women have also been raped and some killed in recent months.

More than 1,400 Jamaicans have already been murdered since January.