Gender Minister Olivia Grange is encouraging Jamaicans to use the commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and the 16 days of activism that ends on December 10 to engage with young people in our care.

She is urging Jamaicans to utilise all efforts to reach young people wherever they are, including in our homes, in our schools, in our churches, in our clubs, “wherever they may be – about what is appropriate behaviour and how to show respect for themselves and others”.

“I call on the nation to review how we view violence — especially violence in the home. We know that the risk of violence is greatest in societies where the use of violence is a socially-accepted norm. The risk of violence, sadly, is high in Jamaica, because too many of us believe this violence is normal and inevitable. Violence is not inevitable. It doesn’t have to happen. It shouldn’t happen,” said Grange. She made the plea on in the House of Representatives while delivering a statement to mark the day.

“We have to normalise the use of non-violent means to resolve our conflicts. We have to cultivate a new culture that is intolerant of all forms of violence in our homes, in our institutions, in our workplaces, in our communities. Everywhere,” she emphasised.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was observed under the theme: ‘Accelerating Efforts to End Violence Against Women and Girls’.

“I call upon each of us, to do what we can, to end the violence. We can end the violence, but it requires all of us to end the violence. Join us in the 16 days of activism from now until December 10,” Grange said.

The minister highlighted that in Jamaica, the survey indicates that 1 in 4 four women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime and 1 in 3 experience some form of sexual abuse, including rape, incest and sexual harassment. “It is in our power to change that and create a better way for the women of Jamaica,” she said.

And Grange lamented that the day was marked against the backdrop of a disturbing video and news of assault involving a young girl and several young men. She was referring to a now viral video of a 13-year-old girl being physically assaulted by a group of boys who have since been slapped with several charges, including rape, forcible abduction, knowing and producing child pornography and distributing child pornography.

Said Grange: “This House has joined me several times in the past in condemning violent attacks against our women and children. And I know the entire House shares my outrage and deep concern about what has been described in the video, which, continues, unfortunately, to make the rounds”.

The minister said this was a prime example of the kind of behaviour and incident that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is intended to end — by drawing attention to the fact that violence is still a horrific reality for too many women and girls; and by enlisting more of us in the fight to end the violence.

“Government must lead in ending violence against women, “and we have been leading,” she concluded.