Skerrit addresses surge in domestic violence

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has condemned all acts of violence in Dominica, especially domestic violence.

His comments came following the recent increase in reported domestic violence in Dominica resulting in the death of two young women.

Reports stated that on December 30, 2022, at about 11:10 AM – police officers responded to a report of domestic violence, and on arrival at number 4 Jewels Lane in Goodwill, the officers found the lifeless body of 35-year-old Velma Valmond of Sineku on the bathroom floor in a pool of blood with a severe laceration across her neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The following day 47-year-old Avonelle Charles of Morne Prosper was murdered by her boyfriend, 48-year-old Marshall Jean Jacques who in turn took his own life.

Reports indicate that at about 3:00 AM on December 31, 2022, Charles and Jean Jacques, were involved in an argument when she was killed.

“On the matter of domestic violence this requires a more fundamental approach which is a priority for us as a society and a people,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.

According to him, legislation and enforcement are critical parts of this, but ultimately it is in the community and in the family that the solution lies.

He said his government will seek to engage a number of stakeholders across the communities before unveiling additional avenues and safety measures for those who are most vulnerable.

“We all have to condemn all acts of violence, especially domestic violence,” Skerrit remarked. “We also want to urge victims to reach out for help before it gets too late.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister appealed to members of the public to refrain from spreading videos and photographs in particular of victims of violence as a form of entertainment.

“This circulation and spreading of videos and photographs of the victims is not helping anybody, so my hope is that that practice can also end,” Skerrit warned.

Dominica recorded a total of 18 homicides for the year 2022.

 

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10 Comments

  1. dissident
    January 20, 2023

    Best Skerrit had continue to keep his mouth shut…….like his wife!!!
    Seriously, Skerrit has no plans for Dat!
    He throw de ball back in our face…….WE on de outside have to deal with it on our own!!!!!
    Skerrit stayed clear from tackling de issue head on with good leadership!!!!!
    Expect more of the same

    I run tings
    World boss is so pathetic!
    Skerrit with all his influence has failed

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
  2. Anson D Pantz
    January 19, 2023

    Surge? We lived in Dominica for six years and learned that Dominican men beat their wives, parents beat their children, and all Dominicans beat animals. Violence is rampant in Dominica. Look at it per capita murder rate.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  3. January 19, 2023

    Bring back the death penalty and enforce it. Case closed. For some, let them spend the rest of their life in jail without any parole.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 9 Thumb down 22
  4. Ibo France
    January 19, 2023

    Take keen note of the vicious slaughters of the two beautiful women and the time that has elapsed when Roosevelt chose to speak out against domestic violence. To be most effective you have to strike when the issue is fresh in public’s minds.

    His baffling silence on this burning issue was becoming very embarrassing for him. Consequently, he has decided to give lip service to the topic to quiet the growing disquiet among the population. The outlaw is simply apathetic who only cares about himself and his nuclear family.

    Let me repeat ad nauseam. Everything Roosevelt does is pregnant with politics. The guy is one of the most disingenuous human beings alive.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 8
    • January 23, 2023

      Ask Francisco Telemacque what is going on in Los Angeles? 10 killed, 10 injured from stable to critical at a Dance studio in LA Saturday night into Sunday morning. Is Telemakak going to blame Skerrit for all these shootings in LA?

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 16
  5. Lin clown
    January 19, 2023

    The UWP must stop treating women like dirt.The leader of the opposition once said “our young people(young girls) were prostituting themselves for money,that is disrespecting women.The bad thing is that supporters of UWP.agree.They rejoice everytime somebody disrespect and insult the wife of the Prime Minister or any other woman who supports DLP.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 46
    • Ibo France
      January 19, 2023

      Have you forgotten what Austrie accused Black more of doing? How convenient! You have selected memory now.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 3
      • Ibo France
        January 19, 2023

        *selective memory – You choose to remember only the things that are untoward for supporters and members of the UWP and those that put the rabid ministers and supporters of the DLP in a benevolent light. Parasitic charlatan you are😂

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
    • If we knew better
      January 19, 2023

      My brother you too s…… So much young girls i know that sleeping with men for money. Under a rock you living man feller? In these hard economic times, where you thing all those pretty well dressed UNEMPLOYED woman getting money to do nails and hair and buy new clothes and shoes? oh ok.. Prostitution, like drugs and drug dealing is very much a part of the local economy, especially these days. Just ask Oprah on Q.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 2
  6. RandyX
    January 19, 2023

    Man, how can you address an issue like that, that was largely exaggerated by your deeds, your words and by your constant Rhetorik over the past 20 years. Remember how you called on your followers to go after UWP supporters… remember when the Rottweiler used utterly degrading words in regards to Monelle Williams…, remember the problems with Blackmoore in Egglestone…
    Then you didn’t do anything about it and now you won’t do anything about it either. You just made it all disappear!! Your Missus isn’t much better either, uttering on numerous occasions of navy seals and snipers to come to DA. Tell her, the only they would come if they are sent to finally kick you and her of your high horses. Skerrit, those days are over! Trust! Did you think you could fool us forever????

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 6

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