Anglican Church Women condemn violence against women in SVG

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH Women Association (ACWA) joins the voices lifted in condemning violence against women in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). While violence is perpetrated across the genders, evidence shows it is most common against women and more so within intimate partner relationships, a context that provides cover for perpetrators and hinders solutions.

The Anglican Church Women Association calls the entire nation, not just express concern but to move urgently to attack this national scourge. We acknowledge that no one entity can bring about the change we seek, but every sector must work together to eradicate this senseless violence.

We call on all concerned to critically examine their roles and the effectiveness of outcomes. The enforcers of the law must continue to protect and serve whilst carrying out their duties with vigour and impartiality. Our Government agencies and sectors responsible namely the Social Services and Gender Affairs Departments, must with vigour and impartiality strengthen their programs and structures to meet the needs of the abused. Our Courts have to continue to administer justice with a keen understanding that justice delayed is justice denied; our children also victims cannot wait. We call for more stringent sentences on perpetrators of violence especially against women and for structures that make it easier for the abused to access the legal system.

We call on the NGOs and civil society to provide safe ways and forums for women to speak up, to provide a haven for the abused and provide opportunities for the empowerment of women. We also ask them to aid women in the pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavours. The economic independence of women is a vital part of the solution.

It is the moral imperative of our churches to speak out against violence, to respond to the needs of its members by promoting love and peace between all persons. To encourage healthy family lifestyles by providing parenting support and by nurturing and instructing on God’s word.

We call on the media houses and social media platforms, to promote positive messages to reduce conflict and improve relationships between persons, provide parental guidance, avoid sensationalism and moral decay. We ask for the broadcasting of, child-friendly, family-oriented music, and entertainment that can be enjoyed by all persons of all ages.

We call on our parents and guardians to nurture and care for our children and to be exemplary role models, bearing in mind the challenges of the changing times in which we live.

We call on our society at large, to collectively speak out and condemn acts of violence. We must, as a society, take a proactive approach to stop the scourge of violence against women. We must have a national plan focused on creating a more harmonious society, promoting more effective use of conflict resolution strategies, supporting and protecting women and men who have experienced violence, stopping those who commit violence, and identifying the root causes of violence on a whole. The goal is to eliminate this menace to our social health and well being.

And finally, ACWA strongly affirms its commitment using the 5 Marks of Mission in the Anglican Communion, in particular, the 3rd and 4th marks which speaks to (3) “To respond to human need by loving service and (4) To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation”. In this grave social crisis let, these missions guide our responses and provide meaningful alternatives to the chaos we are not witnessing. We must face violence with a united attitude and begin the transformation. We must talk about the love of God, experience His peace and push for reconciliation between all persons.