KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, says the Government will be giving “urgent priority” to the provision of safe places and rehabilitative and reconstructive services for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

“I have directed that this matter be addressed as an urgent and first order priority in the upcoming fiscal year,” she said.

The Minister was addressing the official launch of the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Project at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on April 4.

She said the Government is committed to eradicating gender-based violence in Jamaica “so that citizens can live free from the fear of harm and hurt”.

She informed that the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Jamaica (NSAP-GBV) will be a critical arsenal in the Government’s efforts to effectively address the issue.

The NSAP-GBV, which is currently in draft form, will be brought before the Cabinet for approval by the end of May.

Minister Grange noted that the action plan will serve as a monitoring and enforcement mechanism, which will facilitate a holistic approach towards the elimination of gender-based violence in Jamaica.

It was crafted by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in close consultation with various stakeholders.

Minister Grange informed that the Bureau provides public education on the identification, reporting and prevention of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

She noted that information is also provided to facilitate awareness of the types of redress mechanisms, which are available to victims and survivors.

The Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Project is being jointly funded by the British High Commission and the United States Embassy in Kingston at a cost of £21,136.

Under the project, approximately 300 police personnel and front-line responders are to benefit from training to effectively recognise, deal with and respond to victims of rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence.

Grange, in commending the initiative, urged the persons who will receive training under the project to use the skills and knowledge they will acquire to “become advocates and champions for those who often do not have a voice.”