Soroptimists SVG hosts anti-violence seminar

Soroptimist International of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), hosted a one day seminar on November 30, 2024, as part of activities locally to mark the United Nations 16 days of Activism to end Violence against Women and Girls.

In a release, Soroptimist SVG said presentations were made by Police Corporal 599 Jordon; senior magistrate, DaSilva-Mc Kenzie; clinical Psychologist Dr. Alissa Alvis; and community activist and business woman, Camille Crichton.

“This violence takes many forms- from cyber bullying to serious bodily harm, and murder. It robs families of cherished providers, and children of their main parent or guardian who nurture them and inflict serious mental and emotional abuse,” Soroptimist states in its release.

The police Domestic Violence/Sexual Offences Unit focussed on acts of violence; the magistrate, on the role of the court; Dr. Alvis, on the trauma of violence; and Crichton on victimology. Attendees were drawn from trade unions, credit unions, church-based groups; and community organisations.

“Women must stand-up for and with Women against violence in all its forms and become more educated and informed about the multi-faced subject,” the organisation added.

Minister of Gender Affairs, Senator Keisal Peters, who made remarks at the seminar, encouraged women and men to speak up, and about the harm of violence.