It has been rumored that you will be contesting the elections of 2010 and that your campaign will be focusing on women issues more specifically Domestic Violence.
We laud you for contesting the elections of 2010; however as president of the Peridot Foundation, one would have hoped for the exposure of men who abuse women in our community whether viewed as prominent upstanding citizens in our community or not.
Seeing that it was highlighted via the media that Philosopher of Humor Mr. Fernando Clark was summoned to court due to violent and abusive behavior which was suffered by his partner, one would think that Peridot Foundation would have spoken out against this situation.
Under no circumstances should abuse of women be tolerated or is Peridot Foundation being selective as to who can be spoken about? We certainly hope not. Abuse is abuse, and should not be accepted within our community, by no one.
The following are recommendations to bring awareness of the effects of abuse.
– Children, teenagers, women of all ages should be aware that abuse starts with just a slap. Once that occurs, they should start by seeking the necessary help. Don’t be afraid to speak out or call on persons who would make a difference. They should have a support system or group in place.
– Women should know that they are not responsible for the actions of the men who choose to abuse them.
– They should value themselves highly, never be manipulated to the point where they should feel there is no getting out.
A man can’t look at you, and with one corner of his mouth say I love you but with his hand abuse you.
– Seminars should be given at schools where our future female leaders of tomorrow, would be made aware of the effects of abuse. Provide coverage of the recent interview of singer, songwriter Rhianna, someone to whom they can relate to. Where she so eloquently said: "Sometimes we have to look at ourselves as an outsider looking in, and realize that this abuse can never equal love."
For too long women are being abused and feel as if nothing can done; because, no regulations are in place to secure their well-being.
– As for the men, how dare you feel you have that testicular fortitude to beat, slap, kick or belittle any woman? I could think on many ways that you can release your testosterone, but beating on women would not make you any more of a man.
– Our laws as we know them, maybe archaic, but if we put awareness for help desks to adequately report these abusers, then it would not be as closeted as it is, and the hope of change to these outdated laws, with respect to abuse will come, rest assured. Performing community service in no way compares to the emotional and physical scarring a woman is left in and it’s certainly no laughing matter.
– There is the Safe Haven for abused women and children. The telephone number (9333) or persons to contact should be more visible, to the community on a continuous basis, and an information session on how this institution can help them should be organized.
– There should be a system in place to educate these women and have them be self-reliant when reintroduced to society, after leaving the Safe Haven.
– There should be a special section at the police station where the officers will be able to privately assist women who are being victimized.
How many more women need to suffer at the hands of their abuser before some of these points are made a reality and produce a Safe Haven that would be effective?
We strongly believe as a woman who is totally against domestic violence, these are just a few stepping stones that can be taken with regard to bringing awareness to a situation that may be regarded as customary in St.Maarten or the Caribbean as a whole.
We do hope that you Mrs. Arrindell is not waiting to address these issues on a podium during campaign, as domestic violence is affecting us today and not every four years and it is everybody’s business as there is NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE.
The board of CPYP