Stephenson speaks out against domestic violence in SVG

Frederick Stephenson, the Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, the Family, Persons with Disabilities, Youth, Sports and Culture has described as “alarming”,{{more}} the number of sexual abuse and domestic disputes here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to the Minister, “This is something we have to work very seriously on. It is alarming… and so we have to work very hard on this one, and I am very passionate about this,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson, speaking at the recent launch of the MAP (men as partners) empowerMENt programme said: “We have to be a more loving and forgiving people.”

“I think gone are the days when in St. Vincent and the Grenadines people were loving and forgiving, but we have drawn away from that in some way.

“I think also that in curbing the domestic violence and so on in our society, all of us have to understand that we are all human beings. First of all, we were created in God’s image and in his likeness. If we don’t understand that, then I think we will never understand it, the gender violence in our society.

“…Why would a man want to beat up a woman? Why would a man want to molest a child? These things are serious, and they are serious thoughts for concern.”

It was also revealed that the ruling ULP government is in the planning stages of implementing a program targeting parents. This program, according to the Minister, is slated for early 2012 and will assist parents to become more involved with their children’s activities.

“This program I hope can bring a shift to the standard in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Stephenson said.

The most recent report of domestic dispute took place on Monday, December 5, when it was reported that Bequia resident Givvon Bynoe was chopped about her body during a cutlass attack at the hands of her common-law husband.(AA)