March is Women’s History Month along with other celebratory movements. In this month, this article honors women and girls who are no longer with us due to sexual and domestic violence. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), like many other islands in the Caribbean and the world over, has known sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct. Perpetrators are often those who are in power. Women have been manipulated, exploited, and poorly treated. Their dependency on a system continues to fail them as it has failed them for centuries. According to studies, violence against women and girls is the most pervasive violation of human rights in the world (Guy-Cupid, 2016). The current “Me Too” movement brings to the forefront issues of sexual violence and misconduct and gives women across the nation and the world a voice to finally verbalized with a degree of subtlety, thoughtfulness, and judiciousness yet boldness, to say “me too” and “ no more.” Nearly 18 million women have reported sexual assault since 1998 (https://metoomvmt.org ). As a community, an Island, a Nation and members of the world, both men and women must echo the sentiment of the “Me too” and “No More” movement. A nation divided against itself is a nation of doom. Progress is eradication of the problem of sexual and domestic violence. SVG must speak against those who insist on perpetuating a society and structure that benefits only themselves. The data shows that men in power have always been the most pervasive at sexual misconduct. Actively and aggressively calling for changes in laws and policies, and creation of other laws will change the current legislation that forgives their atrocities against women and girls. According to the U.S Department of State Human Trafficking Report (2017), the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Law enforcement efforts to combat human trafficking is void. There are no investigations on the commercial sexual exploitation of children and of women who are forced to engage in prostitution. Neither is there any evidence of providing protection to victims nor efforts made to prevent human trafficking. The report further expresses that the government needs specialized services for victims of human trafficking. The situation is explosive! Reports suggest that SVG, with an approximate population of 110,000.00 (Caricomstats.org), in 2007 ranked third in the world for sexual violence,(Guy-Cupid, 2016.p.1). SVG can no longer turned a blind eye to this problem that the world now sees. Systems must be put in place, and collectively and diligently work to protect those who are most vulnerable. Ad hoc committees, with a task force focusing on this problem, needed liaise between ministries (governmental and religious), law enforcement, public health and hospital administrators, departments of education and teachers, and others to focus on the specific trepidations that plagues SVG concerning sexual abuse and other forms of violence. The Domestic Violence Act of 2015 deepened and inclusively defines the act of violence to any controlling or abusive behavior that harms a child to include sexual abuse among others. Definitions and policies are pronounced, but when not legislated to enforce (to the letter of the law), no offer, or provision to efficiently train and educate, and no persecution of the perpetrators, they become useless. How long can SVG sit and watched in this killing silence? Our silence audibly makes a statement of consent. To look away with an ostrich syndrome in denial is to do nothing. The path to least resistance, the easiest or least stressful course of action is no longer an option. The governing law and treaties (such as CEDAW; Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action); the aforementioned Domestic Violence Act of 2015 and others should not be the only resort. To adequately address sexual violence against women the government and its ministries must develop a strategic plan that offers implementations, evaluations, and seeking out best practices to combat the issues. In honor of those whose lives were cut short, agree to join in speaking out, in advocating, and promoting change for the voices that are no longer here or who remain silent - suppressed and oppressed. Women know thyself. Stand up. Say “Me too” and “No More”. Report, Advocate, Protect, Educate: R. A.P.E . Break the Silence! References: Bunch, C. (1997). The intolerable status quo: Violence against women and girls. The progress of Nations, Trafficking in Persons Report 2017: Tier Placements". www.state.gov. Retrieved 2018-03-04.1, 41-45.] Demographic Profile: St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Caricomstats.org. Retrieved 04 March 2018 http://www.caricomstats.org Guy-Cupid, G. A. N. (2016). Addressing the gap in current policies regarding gender-based violence in saint vincent and the grenadines (Doctoral dissertation, Capella University). United Nations Women. (2015a). St. Vincent and the Grenadines Domestic Violence Act 2015. Retrieve from http://caribbean.unwomen.org/en/caribbean-gender-portal/st-vincent-and grenadines Like Our Facebook page here |
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