We all need to help to prevent this from happening
Many laws are under review at the moment as the Government puts its focus on protecting women and girls, in a bid to reduce the amount of violent acts against them.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller decided that this would be an important focus on Sunday at the Constant Spring Church of God in Kingston, all in commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Simpson Miller said that the Joint Select Committee of Parliament is taking a closer look at the Sexual Offences Act, the Offences Against the Peron’s Act, the Domestic Violence Act and the Child Care and Projection act.
"The committee will focus on offences as well as the punishment of crimes such as the murder of pregnant women, the assault of women, children and the elderly as well as sexual crimes," she said.
The Prime minister reinforced the point that violence against women will not be accepted and is illegal. She assured people that the Government will strive to put more measures in place to ensure that security measures and protection are upped for women to help eradicate any violence aimed at them.
She asked that all citizens play a part in helping the government to address these horrific acts of violence.
"The Government can do its part but it is the responsibility of all of us to do all that we can to give all women and girls a new reality and a different outlook, by breaking the culture of violence and the culture of silence on this issue," the prime minister implored.
She encouraged those women who have been victims of abuse to come forward and seek the help they deserve and require.
"Seek help from trusted friends, relatives, or support groups. You are not alone in your fight against violence," she stated.
She told her listeners that the Government will continue to educate the public about gender based violence and violence against women to strive to live in a culture that is peaceful and respects one another.
Opposition Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who spoke on behalf of Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, said the social ill of violence against women, "demands urgent attention from every member of our society, who still believes in decency, justice, and prosperity".
"We need to say no to violence against Jamaica's women. We need to stand up for the rights and equality of all our women and girls and say 'yes, equal opportunity in education, in society, at home and at the workplace,'" she said.
Johnson Smith also urged all Jamaicans to "make their voices heard" – this was in response to the pieces of legislation that have come under review to increase the protection available for those who are most vulnerable in our society, such as the elderly and any person with a disability.
Tagged in Domestic Abuse