‘Cultural factor sparks abuse’

ONE HIDDEN effect of greater Caribbean integration may be the spread of gender based violence.
Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Patricia Hackett-Codrington, said some Caribbean cultures had a history of violence and incidents of gender based violence would increase the more differing cultures mixed together.
“Culturally, there are people from other cultures who are violent and this will become more prevalent with CSME [CARICOM Single Market and Economy]. As our cultures become more plural, behaviours will change.
“Part of the problem with non-nationals, especially women, is that some of them have been here so long they feel indebted to the person who is keeping them. Also, there are some who are undocumented and are fearful to be sent back so they [can be blackmailed].