Online Platform Launched to Allow Victims of GBV to Share Stories

Victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) now have a safe space to share stories, challenges and solutions, following the launch of an online platform to accommodate this exchange.

The platform, which was designed and developed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, is expected to contribute to national efforts to end violence and harmful practices against women and girls.

The tool was officially launched and handed over to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, during a public forum entitled: ‘Big Ooman and Big Man Chat:

Addressing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)’, at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on Tuesday (December 4).

Expressing appreciation for the platform, Miss Grange said it is “a fantastic tool and we will make use of it.”

She noted that it will be used to promote community engagement and ownership; raise awareness of GBV as violence and a form of discrimination; and provide a safe and secure space that allows victims and survivors to share their experiences and find support for persons with similar cases.

“We will also use the platform to provide basic information on clinical and health service providers,” she said, adding that it will be hosted, managed and maintained by the Bureau of Gender Affairs, a division of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

The platform can be accessed at: https://breakthesilence.ning.com/home.

In the meantime, Miss Grange called on Jamaicans to support the Government’s effort to eliminate gender-based violence.

“Understanding intimate partner violence is multifaceted, and so, its elimination has to be coordinated and collaborative. As such, we need the support of all persons in decision making, particularly our men in the political, economic, social, cultural and religious arenas,” she said.