A workshop focusing on domestic violence, targeted at community leaders is currently underway in Dominica.
The event which commenced from 9 am at the Public Service Union building on Valley Road in Roseau is organized by the Dominica National Council of Women in collaboration with the Bureau of Gender Affairs.
President of the Dominica National Council of Women Josephine Dublin Prince said this morning meeting is part of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender violence.
“We have a number of programs planned. The workshop will inform the populace on the issue of domestic violence, understanding violence, its relationship with drug abuse, the whole issue of women’s rights as human rights,” she said.
Some of the topics to be discussed includes, understanding domestic violence, the dignity of the human person, fundamentals of human rights relative to the relevant UN conventions signed by the state, an introduction of the laws of Dominica pertaining to domestic violence.
A panel discussion will also get underway in the afternoon with the various stakeholders including representatives from the welfare department, PAHO and the Dominica police force.
This is very good news. There are no acceptable excuses for domestic violence and we must remember that men can also be victims.
Aside from these active campaigns we need partnerships
with parents, schools and religious organisations towards the education and socialisation of boys and girls from an early age to emphasise respect and responsibility for one’s own actions as they effect others and the wider community.