As we prepare to start the Advent season on the last Sunday in November, it may be a useful exercise for us to make the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love a reality in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.
Such action will also fit into the framework of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women starting on 25 November, two days before the First Sunday in Advent, 27th November. It runs until Human Rights Day 10th December. So, during that period when we join with the rest of the world marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we would have taken a significant step in walking the talk.
This annual international campaign involves civil society, the Church, religious and secular organizations around the world. We are called to develop strategic ways for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
Studies show that violence occurs in families from all walks of life and that it is no respecter of persons. It also takes place, far more often than we care to admit, among people of all racial, socioeconomic, religious and educational backgrounds. This makes it imperative that gender-based violence becomes a priority concern for us, not only in the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT), but in other religious organizations and civil society groups.
Within recent times, and especially during the Global Pandemic, we witnessed new levels of violence against women in the home and society. Reports that women, family members, and other distressed citizens seeking refuge are sometimes subjected to further physical, sexual and mental abuse. They are exploited by those who should be protecting them.
Governments over the years have been unable to adequately treat with this criminal assault against our citizenry. We have to guard against the tendency to so assimilate violence that we become desensitized or immune to the shock of these grievous assaults. When will it end?
It is a welcome sign that citizens and law enforcement are preparing to assist each other in the fight against the criminal elements in the society. However, some are not enthusiastic about the demand from certain quarters for the arming of the population. Nevertheless, law enforcement must be given all the necessary tools and powers to do the job for which they are trained as they continue to protect and serve the citizenry.
The PCTT, like the rest of the population, is concerned over the increase in violent crimes and unequivocally condemns this state of affairs. There seems to be no plausible reason for these senseless acts of violence, uncontrolled anger and rage sweeping through our nation.
May God bless us all as we seek to end violence in all forms!
