A DRAFT BILL on domestic violence has been passed to stakeholders in the fight against domestic violence for endorsement, before it goes to Parliament.
Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development Steve Blackett said the bill was intended to bring Barbados’ legislation related to domestic violence in line with what is currently the best international practices and he believed it would go a long way towards the protection of victims and the correction of perpetrators.
He also said a violence intervention programme called the Partners for Peace Initiative, designed for men who have been violent towards women, was nearing the end of its fourth cycle and consideration was being given to include female victims of domestic violence if the necessary funds could be secured.
The Minister joined British High Commissioner Victoria Dean, Minister of Labour Dr Esther Byer Suckoo, Zissimos Vergos of the European Union and UNDP resident representatives Stephen O’Malley and others who support the SAVE Foundation at a reception at the High Commissioner’s official residence last night, to mark the fifth anniversary of the Foundation.
Byer Suckoo said enhancement of existing legislation would give women greater protection from abuse. (GC)
