Effort to address gender-based violence in Barbados

Government is planning to undertake a prevalence study on gender-based violence in Barbados.

This announcement is coming from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Jehu Wiltshire who says the Ministry is currently in discussion with international stakeholders to help facilitate the study intended to provide Government with information on the true state of gender-based violence on the island.

He was addressing the Bureau of Gender Affairs’ press conference to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism.

Meanwhile, Head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Tonya Haynes says women’s organisations are also lamenting a 30% spike in calls to crisis hotlines.

Several activities will take place in the coming weeks to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, including an arts for activism to be held at Golden Square on December 7.