Gov’t Embarks on Shelter Policy for Victims of Domestic Violence

To continue the drive against the scourge of domestic violence in Jamaica, the Government has embarked on a national shelter policy for victims.

“The church is one of the organisations that we are working with to provide shelters across the island,” Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, said in a message read by Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, at a church service to mark the observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, at the Boulevard Baptist Church, in Kingston, on November 22.

The Prime Minister added that the Government will continue to forge partnerships with faith-based organisations to also facilitate sustainable development.

She said the role of faith-based organisations, such as the Boulevard Baptist Church, is important as many of the values that are instilled in individuals are done so from very early in life and are largely as a result of the lessons learned at places of worship.

“The church also plays a vital role in not only providing moral instructions, but also exists as a haven and shelter to many victims of violence,” Mrs. Simpson Miller noted.

The Prime Minister said a collaborative approach is crucial to addressing the issue of gender-based violence, and encouraged Jamaicans to move away from a culture of violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

Each year, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on November 25 and for this year, it will be held under the theme: ‘Violence does not discriminate: Unite to end gender-based violence’.

A 16-day campaign of global activism will commence on that day and will end on  December 10, Human Rights Day, to halt the gross violation of women’s human rights affecting at least one in three women and girls worldwide.