A support group has welcomed the courts' no-nonsense approach to sex crimes against children.

Magistrates last week found two men -- in separate cases -- had abused their positions of trust and committed sexual acts against young female relatives.

And Women's Resource Centre lawyer Honor Desmond-Tetlow yesterday told The Royal Gazette : "The Centre welcomes the seriousness with which the courts are treating cases of sexual assault of children.

"In particular, there appears to be a trend towards treating the statements and the evidence of children and young adolescents with the same respect and seriousness accorded to adults.'' In one case a 53-year-old man was found guilty of sexually exploiting his 13-year-old niece. He will be sentenced on October 28. The other man, a 43 year old from St. George's, will be sentenced on October 16 for two charges of touching his ten-year-old stepdaughter's private parts.

In the latter case, Magistrate Edward King -- who reluctantly delayed sentencing to allow an evaluation of the man by a prison psychologist -- stated that the young girl understood what she faced if she accused the man.

"The girl struck me as truthful,'' Mr. King said.

And while it was not unusual that a child would not remember exact dates, he said the girl could remember details about the man's underwear.

Mrs. Desmond-Tetlow -- who has been providing legal aid in all cases of domestic violence and sexual assault that have come through the Centre since May, 1996 -- said the handling of the cases was a positive step in the right direction.

"Certain years ago I never dealt with cases like this,'' she said. "But I've seen five or six this year and I certainly think statements from the (Public Safety) Minister have helped.

"These cases are appearing in the paper and getting communications going and showing people that they (the courts) are serious,'' she said.

"The Centre is prepared to provide assistance to children who may feel nervous about court procedures, by showing them the courtrooms beforehand and by explaining to them exactly what happens in the course of a trial.'' In addition to accompanying the victim to court, the staff lawyer liaises with Police and handles all legal correspondence.

She also provides sociological training for the Police who usually have immediate contact with the victims.

Mrs. Desmond-Tetlow spends 20 to 25 hours a week seeing three to four clients, preparing documents for them, accompanying them to court, and referring people to appropriate agencies or Government departments.

Magistrate Edward King