This week, authorities put the spotlight on domestic violence at a national consultation to develop a roadmap for a comprehensive response to this scourge.
Regrettably, it remains a plague in our society that continues to permeate our homes, workplaces, and communities, driven by a culture of silence and a disturbing tendency to blame the victims.
The latest police data on incidents of domestic violence point to the need for authorities to rethink current strategies to address this issue that is robbing women and girls of their right to a good life.
According to the statistics, there were more than 1,000 reported cases of domestic violence in the past two years. Consider, if you will, the cases that go unreported.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey told the forum that 574 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2023. He further revealed that for 2024, that number is projected to be slightly lower—just over 450—though he noted that the figures remain far too high, and “a single case of domestic violence is too much.”
We couldn’t agree more.
A crucial point raised by Humphrey was the need for stronger implementation of domestic violence policies. He warned that unless the country prioritises practical, on-the-ground interventions, survivors will continue to fall through the cracks of an underperforming system.
Humphrey said Barbados must move beyond policy development and focus on practical solutions to address what he described as a national scourge.
“It’s not for a lack of policies. Barbados is at a point where I do not think there is any serious social policy issue where you cannot find a paper of worth,” the minister said. “What we need now is real-life, practical interventions and implementation.”
Simply put, a system that actively protects and supports survivors and, more importantly, combats the issue.
As a country, we do have a collection of well-intentioned laws to tackle domestic violence. Barbados has made commendable strides in updating its legislative framework. The introduction of the Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Act 2017, the Employment (Prevention of Discrimination) Act, 2020, and crucial amendments to the Sexual Offences Act and Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act are crucial. However, legislation alone cannot dismantle the deeply entrenched societal attitudes and stereotypes that fuel gender-based violence.
The psychological complexities of abusive relationships, as noted by Humphrey, demand a comprehensive approach. Victims often struggle to break free due to fear, dependency, or manipulation.
We must do more to ensure that survivors feel safe and heard when they report abuse. The minister’s concern about the experiences of women who have been dismissed by authorities is valid. The police, courts, and social services must be trained and equipped to handle these cases with sensitivity and efficiency.
The work of organisations like the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Advocates against Domestic Abuse, and other support services for survivors is essential. Moreover, women and girls need access to safe shelters, comprehensive counselling, and financial assistance programmes that will provide survivors with the resources and confidence to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Ultimately, this is a societal problem that requires a cultural shift. As Humphrey rightly pointed out, we must address the root causes of violence by challenging harmful social norms and promoting healthy relationships. We must engage every facet of society – homes, schools, workplaces, and communities – in a unified effort to challenge harmful norms and promote respect and equality. We must teach our children, from the earliest age, that violence is never acceptable and everyone is deserving of respect.
We must create a future where women and girls can live and work in safety, with dignity and respect. This requires a whole-of-country approach, a collective commitment to dismantling the culture of silence, and building a society where equality and justice prevail. Let us break the silence, challenge the stereotypes, and commit to a future free from violence.
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