Kingston, 26 June 2024 (JIS) - A third shelter for victims of domestic violence is currently being constructed, with work projected for completion by the end of this financial year.

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, made the disclosure during her 2024/25 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 25).

“Any of us could become a victim of domestic violence, but none of us should stay in that situation. Help is now available. So, my sisters, take that step. Call or text us on 876-553-0372 and 876-236-1713…We will help,” Minister Grange stated.

The Minister noted that in previous years, there were no State-run shelters for women desirous of exiting violent relationships.

“We know it’s difficult for some women to leave. The reasons are many and complex. [But] because we are deliberate about development, we put in the systems to help women leave violent men and restart their lives. To date, we have established and are operating two shelters for victims of domestic violence,” Minister Grange said.

“They are safe, well secured and equipped to cater to women and their children. The environment is therapeutic. We have counsellors, we offer legal services, we have trainers who have developed various programmes to help women earn and become financially independent,” she added.

The Minister further indicated that women in one shelter are earning from a strawberry farm they have established, “while others are earning from jewellery making and other skills they have learnt since leaving their abusive situation”.

These shelters were established with the help of the European Union, United Nations Population Fund and UN Women.

Minister Grange also said that linked to the National Shelter Strategy is the deliberate development of Domestic Violence Intervention Centres at police stations islandwide, through the support of the Spotlight Initiative.

The initiative is a global, multi-year partnership, launched by the EU and UN, that aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

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