"GRACITA APPLAUDS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING TO ENSURE THAT THE VICTIM IS SAFE, WHILE THE PERPUTRATOR IS TAKEN OFF THE STREETS, WHILE INVESTIGATIONS ARE TAKING PLACE."
Gracita R. Arrindell, Founder of the Peridot Foundation stated that "regrettably many incidents of domestic violence and violence in general continues to plague our community. Relational violence permeate all classes, ethnicities of our multicultural society as well as all levels of government and private sector work environment. Our authorities among others, police, justice department, need to let it be known in no uncertain terms, that domestic violence against women, children regardless of the position of the abuser , remains unacceptable in our society.
‘Regrettably, this latest case, just a couple of months apart from another un related incident where another police officer allegedly abused his partner., This is unacceptable, especially if it pertains a police officer, who has taken the oath to ‘Serve and to Protect’.
Gracita continues: "It all ways takes a lot of courage on the part of the victim to come forward and make a complaint to authorities. In this case the threshold to lodge a complaint to the police on abuse from one of their own, can be even higher and more difficult to do. Trust in the organization, that it will be unbiased under these circumstances is critically important for the credibility of both the victim as well as the police organization.
Gracita says; " As recent as March 12th Peridot joined forces with the Ministry of Justice to honor women in the uniformed division, including the police on the occasion of International Women’s day March 8th 2014. At that event, I also applauded the police top for taking the issue of domestic violence serious by organizing a 4 day work shop last April, as well as the years before in joint workshops organized with government departments. In the well attended workshop, the men and women in blue and plainclothes, brought up issues they are faced with on a daily basis related to relational violence by third parties as well as within their own household, or workplace.
It is a great step in the right direction. I am convinced that this recent case will be dealt with in an unbiased and professional manner. I also look forward to hearing to what extend the police organization is taking measures to ensure that measures are in place to assist police officers who have family or emotional problems. Our country need and depend on our women and men in blue. We need them to be safe for their families and for themselves "
In closing Gracita states: "While the month of March is internationally regarded as the Month honoring women, Peridot Foundation encourages everyone not to let our guard down, but seek and support peace full solutions in conflicts. Remember: Guarding Loved Ones You May Loose.