Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his neverending support for the domestic violence law, calling it an essential part of legislation that aims to respond to diverse public concerns and ensure that the court’s ordered acts are carried out.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit clarified each of the sections of the legislation, stating that section clause 24 gives the police the right to enter a location without a warrant if they suspect someone is in danger due to domestic abuse.
He emphasised that despite the existence of such laws, domestic violence still exists and must be supported by society. To ensure that everyone in the community, from children to adults, can fulfil their role as an individual, everyone should take part in the fight against domestic violence.
According to PM Skerrit, this is the only way to end occurrences of domestic violence. He emphasised that the law will help various social groups sleep much better at night knowing that the law has been updated, that it has made an effort to fill any gaps in the existing law, and that those responsible for their protection in society and provision of support, including psychological and social support, are doing so.
He stated that he now has an excellent piece of legislation. Only groups of individuals are being targeted in this. This piece of law is timely since it aims to ensure that every member of society can live in peace without worrying about their safety, well-being, or even their entire families.
Creating a particular unit and sub-unit within the criminal investigation department with the sole responsibility of investigating domestic and child abuse cases will ensure that the social services department has more staff with the necessary skills and qualifications to supplement the existing team.
In describing the unit’s various components, PM Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the police officers in the team would receive training and that there would be a close working relationship between the social services department, the police, and all welfare officers so that they could all understand reporting procedures and collaborate to put an end to this unfortunate situation.
“If we’re against domestic violence, we must be against it,” remarked Prime Minister Skerrit. Not pick and choose when to act as an advocate; no one in society should use this as a political football. This issue is too significant for us to scandalise it online. We shouldn’t lead victims to assume that the traders are to blame now”.
He said this is not the time to let the criminals think they are the victims. It is crucial to ensure that domestic violence victims receive the support they require while also keeping this issue out of the public eye because it affects not only the directly affected but also the children, families, and community.
The act’s intention should permeate society. People should understand that it isn’t about blaming anyone; instead, it is about working together to form a ring around the community to ensure that domestic violence is absent.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the new structure would cost the Treasury $400 000 per year in addition to just recent posts for the social services department and that his money would be wisely spent.
He continued by saying that the social services division is helping families with rent and rental assistance while also building a specific facility to provide them with the security of a safe location to spend the night.