“Justice consists, not in being neutral between right and wrong but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong,” (Theodore Roosevelt)
In my capacity as the Shadow Minister of Youth empowerment, Women and Social Transformation, on behalf of the United Workers Party (UWP) Women’s Arm, Mrs. Eunica Anthony Victor and I unequivocally condemn the act of sexual abuse, indecent assault, rape and every form of abuse on men, women and children.
I was 12 when I was the victim of attempted rape. Though the actual act was not visited on me it changed my life forever. Despite the fact that I had not been physically deprived of my innocence, mentally I went through a stage of maturity that no 12 years old should have to go through.
My heart bleeds for the youth, particularly the young women of this country that is being made to go through mental and physical changes that they should not have to go through before they’re ready. I am angry, very angry that those who ought to know better and do better subject the future of this country, the future of our society to acts of hate and deprivation and violation of their rights. The adults who contaminate minds, exploit innocence, manipulate the less fortunate and expose our children to carnal knowledge should get nothing short of the full brunt of the law.
We must start the conversation, we must examine our societal standards, norms and cultural practices that sometimes cause these abominable acts to be perpetrated and accepted.
The welfare division, Dominica National Council of Women, Women’s Bureau and other stakeholders and NGO’s designed to deal with those matters must be empowered and adequate resources must be assigned. We must also review the legislation and ensure that enforcement is carried out at all times.
Parents, teachers, social, religious and political leaders are called forward to condemn sexual abuse against our boys and men, women and girls and to play their part in ensuring that their environment is safe and their well being a priority.
We remain committed to creating and advocating for an environment that is safe for all but in particular our women and girls and to ensure that their skills, abilities and talents will be nurtured and harnessed and that they will be allowed to grow and thrive to realize their fullest potential in an effort to create a better Dominica.
We continue to pray for the victims and the families of the victims.
We also take the opportunity to recognize all women and girls on International Women’s day as we stand in solidarity with the fitting message; “STOP SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.”
We are reminded today of the many barriers that have been torn down to realize the goal of a society that holds men and women in equal esteem but we are also reminded of the many disparities that still exist also. We pledge to continue to help with the fight towards gender equality and equity.
Well said Senator Monell Williams. Our young people must be taught to value themselves. They must be empowered to negotiate the maze of the dangers lurking around them. They must be supported to report those who abused them. They must be counseled to cope in tbe aftermath of their ordeal. They must be given hope that they will have a bright future.
Senator William thanks for your statement, it is an encouragement for abused persons especially women and girls. I hope it will encourage the abused to speak out.
Our country need more out spoken women like you. God bless.
you are a brilliant candle
do not let others try and shroud you in darkness.
Great speech Ms Williams
Truth you welll said it
. Also the message or state by M.Williams was well said..good job lady well written.
DNO I want you to conduct a sponsored survey asking for the percentage of Dominicans who think that the alleged sex offenders will not BE PUNISHED!!!!!
I think it will be a good idea.
Keep fighting for the rights and truth
Monelle “ka kwer koy”. After more than six hours, the statement has not attracted not even the response of the UWP women folk. And they are many. The world knows that is not Monelle talking. Somebody wrote it on their behalf. Even he deputy leader’s statement is attracting more response.
Don’t allow hate and prejudice to take over you train of thought that’s if you see my point, stop killing the messenger and focus on the Message instead, as far as I hear and know UWP don’t have the funds to pay any one to write for them like your party does .
Stop ur criticism all u Dominicans can do is to bring down each other,
Can’t u see that moral has gone down it’s lowest ebb, can’t u see that your country is going down a very sleepry slope, not even that u can see, see the other Caribbean countries around U how they are flourishing and 4 twelve years we are suffering under a corrupt government and that’s how u all like it, what is wrong with u all DONKEY HOLE?
Good message Monell…You continue to earn my respect more and more as a politician..One to look out for soon!!!
Senator Williams:
You were a victim of attempted rape. But now you are are a victor.
We do not always decide what people do to us or what happens to us in life. But we do decide how we respond to these things. This is what makes the difference between a victim or a victor.
You have become a winner! That dreadful experience in your childhood has made you a mighty warrior! Your nation needs you. Let your voice be heard in the coming ‘save the children” revolution in Dominica because God is going to turn things around.
God bless you Monell
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
.
This is a good stance! However, physical abuse on the young here is endemic. It starts in the home as far as I can see. The children go to school and cheer each other on; “I need a phone I can get it” they boast. In order to get the phone or anything else they have no idea what they are letting themselves into or in for. What I do not understand is how grown men with children their own age can violate other under age girls and maybe boys! How sick is this. The men who have now been charged have children! How damaging is this to their children. How can they ever look at their fathers again with admiration and loyalty. Their Fathers have let their wives and let them down. It s so sad.