Griffin says govt does not condone violence

The Nassau Guardian

Griffin says govt does not condone violence

Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin said yesterday the government does not condone violence against women in any form and from anyone.

In a statement, Griffin said she wanted to address the issue of violence against women and the “recent statements made by my colleague in the House of Assembly”.

It was an obvious reference to Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller who said recently that he physically abused an ex-girlfriend.

But Griffin did not speak directly to Miller’s comments or explain why she did not object to them in Parliament.

“Hundreds of women in The Bahamas face situations that cause serious distress, pain and frustrations to them and their children and households, generally,” Griffin said.

“Since returning to office in May 2012, I have actively participated in many international and local meetings and conferences addressing the issue of violence against women and girls.”

Griffin said her ministry continues to highlight this “serious scourge in our communities” by providing public education through the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, the Gender-Based Violence Task Force and other organizations.

She said by mid-June her ministry hopes to develop a strategic plan to strengthen the coordination of various agencies that provide services to victims and perpetrators.

This effort will assist in eradicating “this ugly menace from our shores”, Griffin said.

“We must not be distracted and we must continue to work together to make our families strong, safe and free from all forms of violence,” she added.

Miller received backlash from some women’s rights activists and Free National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner.

On Wednesday, Miller insisted his comments were made in “jest” and taken out of context.

However, he apologized on two radio talk shows yesterday — 94.9 FM’s ‘Real Talk Live’ with Ortland Bodie and Guardian 96.9 FM’s ‘Reality Check’ with Chrissy Love.

He pledged to donate at least $1,000 to the Bahamas Crisis Centre and committed to trying to convince parliamentary colleagues to donate $3,000 each.

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