More information on impact of domestic violence needed

The economic and social cost of intimate partner violence cannot be understated.

Minister of Elder Affairs and People Empowerment Cynthia Forde lamented the fact that there were no current figures available in Barbados underlining the impact domestic violence had on the society, but pointed out that the country was carrying this heavy burden.

“We do not have the data,” she said, while urging the Royal Barbados Police Force and public and non-governmental social agencies, dealing with such matters to collect this vital information so that the necessary mechanisms could be created to prevent these situations.

“When you break it down, it is the ambulance service that has to respond to that person, it is the social services who have to give all of those who are impacted upon counselling, the main breadwinner may have been killed or disabled and then it spirals out, so we know how it can impact on the economy,” she said, noting that it cost the United Kingdom £5 million annually.”

As she addressed a consultation on domestic violence at the UN House on Monday, the women’s advocate highlighted that the man on woman, woman on man and adult on child violence being perpetrated must come to an end as these acts have a long-lasting impact on not only the victims, but also those who see it.

“Our women must not have to live in constant fear or be trapped in a cycle of violence in their intimate lives. I do not support our men either having to suffer the indignity of being embarrassed and beaten by women in the home or in Bridgetown.

“Remember the impact of violence on our children, with the very sad evidence of children being used as pawns and in abusive relationships- ‘don’t come by me, go with your wutless father’ and when you get there, the father doesn’t want to see you either…and after being pushed for 17 years in a corner, what would we expect that boy to do? It is a devastating experience and I have seen children’s lives destroyed by a stepfather who beats on them every day…and then we expect these children to go into a school environment and learn, when they are not being brought up in situations conducive to becoming the best citizen.” (JMB)