Gender Minister Says All-Hands-on-Deck Approach Needed to End Violence Against Women

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, has called for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to end violence against women.

Making a Statement in the House of Representatives on November 26 to commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is observed annually on November 25, the Minister said that the many interventions of the Government would not be enough to make the changes the society needs.

“We can establish shelters, which we have done. We can establish domestic violence intervention centres at police stations, which we have done. We can establish helplines, which we have done. We can introduce and amend legislation, which we have done and will continue to do. However, these measures alone will not get the desired outcomes. We need all hands on deck now to end the violence,” Ms. Grange said.

She noted that the Government has implemented a “raft of measures” to tackle violence against women, including programmatic initiatives, policies, and new and amended legislation.

“We are offering better and stronger support services to victims, including counselling, legal support, training, and shelter. During the last few years, we established and are now operating two government shelters for victims of domestic abuse. The third shelter is in development as we speak,” the Minister outlined.

Furthermore, the Government has established Domestic Violence Intervention Centres at 10 police stations across the island to respond to incidents of domestic violence and give support to victims.

The Domestic Violence Act (2023 amendments) also came into effect in January of this year and the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act was passed and brought into force on July 3, 2023, bringing stronger legislative support to the cause.

“I encourage us to use this commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as an occasion for us to engage with the young people in our care – in our homes, in our schools, in our churches, in our clubs, wherever they may be – about what is appropriate behaviour and how to show respect for themselves and others,” Ms. Grange said.