Sarah: No excuse for any form of violent behavior
Source: TODAY Thursday November 25, 2004
PHILIPSBURG - Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams
says there can be no excuse for violent behavior and she suggests that today,
the fifth International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, be
regarded as a day of reflection.
She said that while, as a community, "we are more aware than ever before that
violence against women remains a problem within our society," we are also aware
At the same time that the problem is a "global phenomenon." "Let us as a nation
on November 25 (today) reflect upon this societal evil and pledge and commit
ourselves to free women from violence and fear, wherever they may live. Violence
against women is not a solely women's issue, but concerns every member of our
society," she said in a statement issued through the Government Information
Service (GIS) Wednesday.
She continued: "As a society we must make an effort to confront and eradicate
any form of violence against women in particular and violence in general. There
can be no excuse for violent behavior under any conditions."
Wescott-Williams invited the general public to attend a panel discussion on
Domestic Violence at Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Friday, November 26. The
discussion session is being organized by the Women's Desk of the Island
Government and Gender United, an organization that serves as an umbrella body
for women's organizations in St. Maarten.