President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell says the nation joins the global community in calling for an end to abuses against women.
The global community of nations on Thursday, November 25, will be commemorating International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
On December 17, 1999, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) designated 25 November as the aforementioned day and invited governments, international organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to organize activities designated to raise public awareness of the problem on that day.
"Violence against women and girls is a critical global problem. I believe in the ability of women and girls to live free from abuse and fear, and this is a fundamental right.
"The UN reports globally that one of every three women will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime. In some countries, up to 70 per cent of women have experienced physical or sexual violence by men, and no country is immune to this.
"Times have changed in many countries where victims of domestic violence have come out to talk about their experience and seek help. Domestic violence and sexual assault are crimes and should be viewed as such.
"As parliamentarians, we need to review our laws as a country to see what more can be done with respect to domestic violence and sexual assault. The input of all stakeholders will be needed as this has to be a collaborative effort in order to end violence against women.
"Sint Maarten is now in the position to act. Having our own parliament and being the highest legislative body of the land, we are able to act upon making sure we have the appropriate laws to further combat violence against women," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Wednesday.