The Prime Minister was in Abercrombie this morning. He participated in a ceremony for the World Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated yesterday.
The Family Support Services was launched, by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at the Abercrombie Police Station, This year, the United Nations’ theme for the 16 days of activism to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
He referred to a recent case where a woman was killed by her former partner, a policeman. Pravind Jugnauth said that the fact that the alleged murderer was a police officer has tarnished the reputation of the institution. He lamented about the fact that despite the mobilization and measures taken, cases of violence against women continue. He announced that 4,300 cases have been reported this year.
Pravind Jugnauth stressed that this fight must start with those who have responsibilities. Kalpana Koonoo-Shah, Minister for Gender Equality, said that the elimination of gender-based violence is a priority for the government.
Prime Minister Jugnauth recalled that violence against women is one of the most persistent human rights violations and among the most extreme form of discrimination. “Violence can take the form of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse and may as well be the cause of death in some cases and such practices will not be tolerated,” stressed Mr Jugnauth.
For her part, Minister Koonjoo-Shah underscored that the Family Support Services will be a service that will comprise Officers from the Police Family Protection Unit and her Ministry, working in one office together, so as to provide services to victims of domestic violence. “Victims of domestic violence can receive a wide range of services, including legal advice and assistance, counselling and, if they wish, a place of safety to stay temporarily,” she pointed out.
She announced that this service will be decentralised to other parts of the island such as Souillac and Phoenix so that victims can easily report their cases, obtain the assistance required and allow Officers can better manage GBV cases across the country.
