Ministry forms committee to focus on violence
(CNS): The community affairs ministry has formed a new national committee to deal with gender and family violence. A report on gender violence, approved by government some four years ago identified the need to re-establish a national entity to bring together stakeholders to address gender violence and related issues. A recent draft Crime Reduction Strategy report being compiled by the Cabinet Office also recommended the formation of such a committee as well. Officials said the new team will bring a holistic focus to issues of gender violence, family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment and stalking.
Similar to the National Committee Against Domestic Abuse which operated from 2000-2003 and drawing its membership from a wide cross section of areas such as human services, education and youth services, judicial, police, rehabilitation, and marketing and communications, the committee consists mainly of government representatives. It will however, be incorporating representatives from non-governmental organisations to subcommittees as necessary.
In a release from the ministry officials said it will work on improving systems by providing recommendations to government to develop policies, procedures, legislation, training, public education, and other responses to these important issues.
Each member is equipped with broad knowledge and will serve for two years with an opportunity for re-appointment.
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Following an overwhelmingly positive response from the various entities involved, I am pleased to announce the names of the 17 qualified individuals who have committed to this initiative,” said the Minister responsible for Community Affairs and Gender, Mike Adam. “With the recent launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which seeks to eliminate gender-based violence, the timing could not be more significant.”
Co-chaired by the Ministry’s Senior Policy Advisor for Gender, Tammy Embanks, and Senior Policy Advisor for Community Affairs, Debbie-Ann Whittaker, the committee intends to improve institutional responses and resources for victims and perpetrators of gender and family violence as well as to coordinate public education on issues of gender and family violence and other related matters,” the release stated.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign began on 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and continues through 10 December – International Human Rights Day – to emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights. This year’s campaign theme is From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence against Women.
Category: Local News
The lack of comments is staggering
Puhleeez don’t put those thumping Bodden Town pols on it
I am a survivor – a victim of domestic violence here in Cayman. The police and especially the FSU have no sympathy for the victim(s). The perpetrators are left to roam the streets until a full statement is given to the police, blah blah blah. How can a man be allowed to beat up a woman and the police can see the bloodied face and the bruises and they will not go and pick him up right away. Then FSU and the Legal Department can take their sweet time to determine whether they are going to prosecute the perpetrator. There are some female officers at FSU who I dealt with that were uncaring and rude and I didnt even want to go and talk to them again. And have you ever tried to meet with someone at Central police to make a statement. it takes about 2+ hours. The whole system with resepct to domestic violent in our country is a pathetic joke. Mike Adams and all the Committee members can do and say and hold whatever meetings they want. But until actual help is given to the VICTIMS at the moment that they call police for assistance, nothing will ever happen to curb domestic violence in Cayman. I am a lucky one, I was the main breadwinner for the family so I managed to get out of a bad marriage and get a place on our own and take care of our children on my own in order to protect our young children from any more of their father's horrible violent temper and violence against their mother. But there are so many other women that feel they have to stay because they have no where to go, they dont earn enough to support the children on their own. It is a vicious cycle and I pray that victims of domestic violence are able to get out, as I did, and get on with their lives and help their children grow up in a fear-free environment. Everyone needs to stop turning a blind eye when it comes to domestic violence.
My heart goes out to you and I admire your strenght! I also appaled by the lack of comments here.
I was at the campaign launch the Red Cross did last night. That's the kind of effort that government should be behind, not setting up useless committees. There are talkers and there are doers. Last night I got to see the doers.
Great! Just what we need, another "committee"; to keep minutes and lose hours.