Nurses speak out against rapes

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association has spoken out against the recent spate of rapes in the Arnos Vale, Fountain, Fairhall and Villa areas, which police believe to be the dastardly act of one man.{{more}}

“Vincentian women are presently living in a state of fear regarding the recent escalation of sexual violence in a certain locale in the country…steps should be taken on a national level, by law enforcement personnel, policy makers, civil society as well as other groups and organizations, to reinstate the freedom of existence for women of this country,” a press release issued by the association stated.

The Nurses Association, which is headed by Raphael John, called for among other things, the formulation of support structures for women dealing with rape and trauma and the establishment of community based security groups ‘to promote a safe environment for Vincentians, particularly the female population.”

Women are also advised by the Nurses’ Association to “adopt an attitude of self preservation”, and to find ways and means to protect themselves from the threats being posed to them.

“It is the hope of the nursing fraternity that the perpetrators of these crimes be brought to justice,” the press release further states.