Silently marching in the streets of Roseau, throngs of protesters clutched placards declaring their purpose and demanding justice with slogans such as “Leave di people pickney dem alone,” “Stop Violence against women,” “Silence equals support.”
Meantime, Attorney-at-Law Singola Bloomquist-Williams who also addressed the function, said that the subject of domestic violence and child abuse are never pleasant to discuss; however, such discussions are need as these issues are still prevalent in Dominica.
She alluded to the fact that Dominica has the highest rate of abuse cases in the entire Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), a position which we should be ashamed of.
“Violence against women and children is one of the most pervasive violations of Human Rights in the world, and one of the least prosecuted and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and development. We have made strides in our quest to combat domestic violence in Dominica and there is legislation in place which makes justice more accessible and affordable namely the protection against domestic violence act of 2001.”
One in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Historically under-reported, domestic violence victims have often suffered in silence, something which in many cases has resulted to consequences.
BPW Dominica has pleaded its continued support to the victims as they continue to raise aware of child abuse and domestic violence particularly against women.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
