Lifeline Ministries wants Dominica to fully support 16 days of Activism against gender based violence

​Lifeline Ministries wants Dominica to fully support 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.  Activists are very busy raising awareness about gender-based violence across the globe for sixteen days, from 25th November. This includes child sexual abuse, domestic violence and any sort of aggressive acts or discrimination against individuals because of their gender or orientation.There were over 100 sexual offences reported to police in Dominica last year, including rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with children under sixteen. Rape is sexual intercourse without consent, regardless of marital status, gender or relationship.
 
During disasters people are displaced and are often living with extended family or friends, or neighbours or strangers. Some 40% of school children have reportedly left the island and are now resident overseas. Parents have expressed concern about the possibility of people taking advantage of their children in strange place.It is also being said that Transactional sex becomes a more appealing option when you have lost everything, and these being uncertain times with the loss of income through post-disaster unemployment, and there have been allegations of gifts of relief and rescue being offered from people who should know better.
 
Meantime, traumatized people tend to turn to drugs and alcohol, and this results in poor decision making and risk taking. Tempers are already frayed as people face the prospect of inadequate funds to restore their lives, and domestic arguments and breakdowns in relationships are often the result. Lifeline says their victim support network is just getting back up, thanks to Flow and Digicel. However, it is still difficult to report if people are victims of a sexual assault, especially if they are dependent on the perpetrator. However, People who need help can still contact Lifeline for support in reporting, by calling 265-3779.
 
Lifeline is looking to work with UN agencies like UNFPA, & International NGOs such as International Medical Corps, who are in Dominica providing psychosocial & GBV prevention and Response support and training. They are working with the Gender Bureau whose office was damaged by Maria, and collaborating by providing training & support to vulnerable populations. Mandatory report of child sexual abuse is now law, and anyone who knows of gender based violence should not keep it secret, but should go to the police, or call Crime stoppers at 1-800-TIPS,if they need to remain anonymous.