Barbados is a small and very beautiful island but the number of domestic abuse cases are very high. Every situation is unique but what can be done to prevent this from happening?
The police force needs to be trained to handle cases of dmoestic violence. Typically the police is called in to quietly diffuse the situation either by the person being abused or a neighbour hearing the altercation. The police offcer will ask the female if she would like to press charges, once the female says "NO" the police officer will "warn" the offender and leave the scene. That's where it usually ends (for the police at least) but a warning is usually NOT sufficient to end the abuse permanently.
The police force needs to assess the situation and encourage the female to visit the hospital to be examined (as is done with a rape victim). Once in a more secure environment the female may find the strength and confidence to press charges as she is feeling less theatened.
The act of contacting the police may have a negative impact in a domestic abuse situation. The male may become incensed because he now feels betrayed by his partner and this can lead to even more abuse. Women need to know what to do and who to speak to when they have been abused because staying in a abusive relationship for any reason can be detrimental to both their lives and the lives of their children. They should seek shelter with a supportive family member or friend and consider alternative means of financial support.
The SAVE Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Liesel Daisley to address domestic violence, and provides counselling services and legal advice to victims. http://savefoundationbarbados.com/
Recent Cases *Additional cases will be added once identified. Please report any discrepancies to editor@rozzmagazine.com.
Cherry Ann Lashley was brutally attacked by Jeffrey Brathwaite, with whom she shared a home at Fairfield Road, Carrington Village, St Michael. Police say the woman received several chop wounds about her body, a broken left hand and two fingers were severed during an altercation.
49-year-old fish vendor Caroline Roberta Forde was knifed to death in the presence of co-workers at the Bridgetown Fish Complex, allegedly by her husband in August. She was the mother of 7. Relatives said this was not the first time Forde was attacked by the same man, noting that another incident occurred just a week earlier.
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