“Some homes are no longer safe for women, young girls and Children”.
This is a sad state of affairs reflected in the statement echoed by the Coordinator of the Christian Care Centre (CCC) Sr. Doreen in an interview with ACoM Communications.
She said, “a good number of women, young girls and children taking shelter at the Centre were results of domestic violence, sexual abuse and physical abuse by men at homes”.
“It was unbelievable that well educated and well paid women and girls are amongst those looking for safe environment at the Centre. Some of these women are wives of well-educated and employers of Governments, Churches, NGOs and others.” She adds.
“Alcohol is one of the most contributing factor to the cause of domestic violence and sexual abuse to women and girls,” Sr. Doreen said.
“Responsible authorities must reduce or discourage more beer outlets in town and impose tough penalties to those selling and consuming alcohol in odd places and hours.” She said.
A volunteer who served at the center since the establishment says, “Government and Churches must work together to tackle the continuous growth of domestic violence, sexual abuse and physical abuse to women, girls and children in our education system”.
She says, “Government, Provinces and Churches who owns the schools in the country must encourage more awareness about Domestic Violence in schools or create curriculum and teach Domestic Violence right from Kiddy and Primary level where children began to learn.”
“Some children are coming from broken families where parents failed their duty to teach their children” she adds.
“This is where schools need to take up that responsibility to educate and raise awareness about this unwanted social behavior”, she concludes.
Anglican Church of Melanesian owned Christian Care Center acknowledges the newly sealed partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands who will support the center in capacity developments for CCC to provide its services more effectively.
CCC – the only refuge center for women, young girls and children victims of domestic violence in the country has registered a total of 42 Adults (Women and girls 19 years and above) that includes foreigner and 44 Children whom are some living with their Mother from January to May 22nd 2014.
January to June 2013, CCC recorded 53 adults (women and girls 19 years and above) and 39 children where most accompany their mother. January to December 2013, CCC sheltered 208 adults (women and girls age 19 above) and 206 children where most came to live with their mum. The Center receives 10 to 15 victims a week. The record only shows victims of domestic violence (physical, sexual and emotional abuse) who came into the center.