Director of Gender Affairs: Listen to domestic violence victims with compassion

Director of the Gender Affairs Division at the Office of the Prime Minister Antoinette Jack-Martin said people should “have a compassionate ear” when listening to victims of abuse.

Antoinette Jack Martin made the statement in a virtual address on Thursday morning for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence series, a collaboration between the Office of the Prime Minister and the United Nations (UN) Women.

She said, “As we work together to flatten the curve and end gender based violence and in particular domestic violence I want you to remember: you can make a difference by reporting instances of domestic violence (and) having a compassionate ear for any victim.”

She added, people should not judge victims but rather choose to “support and report” instances of abuse.

“With countries across the globe battling covid19 and implementing health measures to flatten he curve, there has been a significant spike in domestic reports,” she said. “Now more than ever, we must unite to end GBV in all its forms.”

Those in need of assistance can reach out to the Domestic Violence Abuse Hotline at 868-800-SAVE(7283).