Protection Against Violence Bill Tabled in Parliament

Yesterday, the Minister of SOCIAL Services, Obie Wilchcombe, finally presented the highly anticipated Protection Against Violence Bill. This legislation aims to create effective mechanisms that can protect victims and ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

One of the most important aspects of the bill is the establishment of a Protection Against Violence Commission. This commission will serve as a support system for victims, helping them connect with the police in cases where they feel they aren’t receiving adequate cooperation.

According to Mr. Wilchcombe, the commission’s main functions, as outlined in the bill, include strengthening collaboration among various sectors and forming partnerships between the public and private sectors. The goal is to develop strategies and policies that effectively combat and respond to violence. The commission will also provide essential services such as shelters, counseling, and care for affected children, ensuring that victims of violence receive the care and support they need.

“This is a crucial and significant step forward. It’s important that we work together to reverse the negative trends in our society and put an end to violence,” emphasized Mr. Wilchcombe, acknowledging the collective effort required.

However, not everyone has welcomed the bill with open arms. Alicia Wallace, the director of Equality Bahamas, criticized it as an “insult” to the National Task Force on Gender-Based Violence and the strategic plan they produced. She argued that by not specifically labeling it as a Gender-Based Violence Bill, the government is neglecting the fact that violence disproportionately affects women and marginalized genders and sexualities. Wallace also accused the minister of failing to share the bill with non-governmental organizations that possess the necessary expertise to review it against international human rights standards.

The bill encompasses several responsibilities for the commission, including the recommendation of a national strategic plan to combat violence and ensuring the availability of sufficient shelters throughout the country. To support these efforts, the bill proposes the establishment of a Protection Against Violence Foundation. Additionally, a Protection Against Violence Secretariat will be created to coordinate and develop protocols related to commission applications.

The bill explicitly outlines the rights of victims of violence and provides guidance on how to handle their complaints. These rights include being treated with compassion and dignity, receiving information, maintaining confidentiality and privacy, and having access to a dedicated telephone hotline. According to the bill, victims or individuals with information about the victim can report the crime to the police. They are required to provide a detailed report of the incident and notify the commission about the act and their background.

The bill stresses the importance of police officers assisting victims in obtaining medical treatment and finding a safe place to stay. In cases of sexual abuse, the bill highlights the need for immediate medical attention from qualified practitioners engaged by the commission. These practitioners will conduct thorough examinations, collect samples for evidence, document visible injuries, and administer necessary medications.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that victims receive psychological counseling in a language they can understand, along with access to legal assistance or information, when necessary.

The legislation also includes provisions for establishing a violence fatality review team. This team will be responsible for researching the causes, consequences, and frequency of deaths resulting from violence.

According to the bill, the commission will consist of at least 14 and no more than 17 members, including representatives from various government agencies and appointed service providers. Members of Parliament and individuals holding multiple directorial positions or memberships in statutory bodies are ineligible for commission membership.

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