Victims of Domestic Abuse Urged to Call Helplines

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon Olivia Grange, is urging individuals experiencing domestic abuse to reach out to the helplines available for females and males.

“We are here to serve. Once we hear from you, we will ensure that you are served,” she said.

Minister Grange was speaking at a commemorative church service to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on Sunday (March 2), at the Church of the Open Bible, 12 Washington Boulevard, Kingston.

IWD is celebrated annually worldwide on March 8.

She said that the Ministry provides safe spaces for women fleeing from gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of violence.

Women can seek support through helpline numbers for females, 876-553-0372 and 876-236-1713. Males can contact the helpline by calling 876-553-0387.

The Minister said that IWD is a time to reflect on the challenges women face and to identify practical strategies for advancing their progress.

“We continue to make steady strides to build forward towards achieving the Stand-Alone Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 5, which demands that member states such as Jamaica take ongoing actions to empower all women and girls to achieve gender equality,” she said.

The Minister said that in every sphere of society, women and girls have consistently broken barriers and exceeded expectations.

“Our contribution to national and sustainable development is invaluable, as we contribute to real growth in the social, economic, cultural and political sectors,” she added.

Minister Grange took the opportunity to commend the Church of the Open Bible for its efforts in outreach, particularly in supporting women and girls.

“By standing together and advocating for women’s rights, the Church of the Open Bible and other faith-based organisations continue to play a pivotal role in creating a more equitable society,” she said.

The Minister encouraged citizens to be inspired and take action in supporting the ongoing work of the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) and, by extension, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

“Each of us can be a resolute and radical advocate for the rights of women and girls in our communities. Together we can stand against injustice to create an environment that truly celebrates and uplifts our sisters and brothers for the achievement of gender equality, gender equity, social justice and social-economic empowerment,” she said.