Domestic violence is often called a “silent epidemic” but silence cannot be an option any longer. In Barbados and across the region, too many lives are affected by abuse, too many families are left broken, and too many survivors remain unheard and unprotected.
Minister of People Empowerment, Elder Affairs and Crime Prevention Kirk Humphrey has put it plainly: domestic violence must be treated as a national emergency. His remarks at the recent Symposium on Domestic Violence: Response in the Caribbean, held at Hilton Barbados, offered an urgent roadmap for change.
Humphrey’s main argument that we cannot continue to address domestic violence superficially was timely. “If we cater to the core of the problem, then we address its manifestations in various ways,” he said. “We address oppression, we address addiction, we address anxiety. If you continue to work at the end of the branch, you’re not going to get to the root of the problem.
We’ve been putting a lot of boots on the ground, but what we need at this stage are roots in the ground.”
The minister’s metaphor reminds us that short-term interventions like awareness campaigns are only part of the solution. Without tackling the underlying social, psychological, and structural causes, domestic violence will continue to be a growing problem for the entire society.
His perspective appears informed not only by policy as his work brings him face-to-face with heartbreaking stories, revealing gaps in legislation and other systems. He asked: “What does it take for a woman to feel safe in Barbados? Are we prepared to continue to fail, in a way, our women and our children? And are we satisfied that our systems, as they are, still leave survivors unprotected, unheard and, in many ways, inconsolable?”
These questions are uncomfortable but necessary. Society and policymakers must examine whether laws are there merely on paper, or whether they are effective shields protecting those who need it.
Humphrey also challenged us to consider other areas related to legislation.
“Do we pass these Bills and these Acts and these laws that look good, and sound good, but which really struggle to protect people in real life?” he asked.
This was a reminder that progress must mean something to the people who are on the ground and are facing abuse and its consequences. Legislative reform alone cannot end domestic violence; it has to be supported by law enforcement and people who see it not as somebody else’s problem but that of the entire community.
Jason Wilks, senior sector specialist with the IDB, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation: “What One Safe Caribbean empowers us to do is to really galvanise a regional spirit of collaboration . . . and ensure that at the end of this programme, we’re delivering value to the citizens, the communities, the most vulnerable people throughout the Caribbean who need support to feel safer and feel protected.”
Barbados has made progress, but as Humphrey notes: “We have moved the needle” only partially. There is still much work to be done. Real progress requires honesty, courage, and persistence to address the problem of domestic abuse, the consequences of which trickle down to behavioural challenges with our youth.
The country must address root causes of domestic violence which are multifaceted, from poverty and substance abuse to untreated mental health issues. Only by confronting these factors can we break the cycle of abuse.
Ultimately, Humphrey’s message is one of empowerment and accountability.
Domestic violence is not a private problem, it is a national emergency.
Addressing it requires action at every level.
By focusing on roots rather than branches, we can have the opportunity to create lasting change, ensuring that every survivor feels safe, heard, and protected.
Every day that domestic violence continues is another blot on our attempts to make Barbados a safe place for every citizen to live, work and thrive.
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