Domestic violence — the way forward

The reform of perpetrators/ criminals is a more delicate situation and requires a more intense investigation that would take time to bear fruit.

It was in that context that he raised the issue of the personal responsibility of women when choosing a romantic partner — a low-hanging fruit that can have an immediate impact, and result in lives being saved and serious injury being avoided, if the advice is heeded.

He was seeking to remove women from harm’s way and offered a solution, a preventative measure (something they can do to protect themselves) over which women have some control. I am sure that is what he meant when he said he cannot determine their choice of romantic partners (“I am not in your bedroom”), and that they should choose more wisely. He, however, acknowledged, among other things, the need to review the law and practice with regard to protection orders, the need to improve the effectiveness of the Police Service in dealing with domestic violence issues, and the need for the Government to provide other assistance in order to minimise its incidence.

I do recall him saying the Government can help.

His response to the question asked can hardly, in such a setting and given the context, be intended to be a comprehensive statement of Government policy on the issue of domestic violence. Where is the victim blaming/shaming? Some commentators have sought to highlight the most unfavourable interpretation of the Prime Minister’s statement for reasons best known to themselves. There appears, however, to be tremendous support for the Prime Minister’s statement from those “on the ground.” The Prime Minister’s statement was in the nature of a plea to women and he spoke in a manner that was graphic and readily understood by the man in the street and, in particular, those living in low-income communities such as Maloney, Laventille/Morvant and Enterprise.

Numerous stories have been carried in the media of friends/relations counselling would-be victims to exercise caution, only to be ignored.

Some victims have themselves admitted they ignored the wise counsel of their friends/ relations and warned other women not to do so. That may be one of the reasons why the Prime Minister received such loud applause when he made his statement. He, as head of Government, was reinforcing a message many friends/relations were themselves giving to their womenfolk.

Following the meeting, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a statement on some of the other initiatives — tactics, strategies etc being pursued in combating domestic violence.

The current heightened interest and national debate on the issue of domestic violence provides a welcome opportunity for the Government to establish a multi-disciplinary advisory board to examine, keep under review and make recommendations on combating domestic violence; detailing the history, causes, objectives, strategies, tactics, timeframes etc.

To assist in this effort, there should be a public consultation on the issue of domestic violence whereby, among other things, special interests groups and the wider community would be invited to submit memoranda.

As mature citizens, we have a patriotic duty to rise above political and other petty differences as the national interests demand that we all work together in an effort to minimise, if not eradicate, the evil of domestic violence. Our children will take our lead.

Louis Winston Williams St Augustine