KINGSTON, Jamaica – Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, says she is grateful that the two children who witnessed their parents being robbed and beaten by gunmen were not hurt.

The boys, ages four and 10 years, were forced to watch as the gunmen viciously physically assaulted their mother and father, before driving off in the couple’s motorcar, leaving the family helpless on the side of the road.

The incident occurred on a dirt road in Toll Gate, Clarendon, several days ago.

READ: Gunmen rob, beat parents in front children in Clarendon

Gordon Harrison, while wishing the parents a speedy recovery, believed the boys were affected mentally.

“I am thankful that there was no physical harm that the boys were subjected to. However, these boys have endured great mental anguish due to the traumatic experience they were exposed to and this cannot be overlooked,” Gordon Harrison said.

She added, “At this time, it’s critical that the entire family is supported as they try to process what they have endured.”

The Children Advocate also encouraged the family and any other families and children who have endured traumatic experiences, to contact SafeSpot, a 24-hour child and teen helpline, operated by her office.

She said the helpline, which is free of cost, offers ongoing psychological support and general advice with regards to coping after traumatic experiences.

Police had reported that the mother received several wounds to her head and hand, while the father got bruises to his lower abdomen and other sections of his body.

Along with the car, a 2014 Toyota Probox, the gunmen also robbed the couple of their cell phones and other personal items.

They were assisted, by a passing motorist, to the May Pen Hospital, where they were treated and released. A report was then made to the police.

Lawmen found the stolen vehicle abandoned in the Toll Gate area. It was towed to the Four Paths Police Station and processed, the cops said.