The spread of COVID-19 has demanded that governments around the world take unprecedented steps to protect their citizens. This has meant restricting personal movement in an effort to limit the transmission of the disease.
We are concerned about the risk of discrimination, excessive use of force and violations of fundamental rights and freedoms that have already occurred in some instances during the implementation of lock downs and mandatory isolation. While the need to protect public health is vital, it is imperative to ensure that these measures are not used to undermine the fundamental civil liberties and human rights of all people.
Promoting and protecting these essential liberties and rights is should remain a priority of all.
We hope that restrictions on movement and peaceful assembly are grounded in legitimate public health concerns and are not used to infringe on the people’s essential freedoms. While we are all called upon to sacrifice some parts of our normal lives, we must remain vigilant that this requirement is not abused or taken advantage of.
“We must all do what we can to prevent the tragedy of this pandemic from being compounded by allowing it to be exploited to persecute vulnerable communities. Over the course of this crisis, we want to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized communities, are not victimized under the cover of public health.
Furthermore, we recognize that isolating at home can be very difficult for many families. For people facing domestic and sexual and gender-based violence, COVID-19 has created a perfect storm of isolation, stress and fear. Gender-based and child-protection services are essential and life-saving, and we urge the Gov't of Saint Lucia to prioritize and integrate these critical services in all responses related to COVID-19.
Protecting public health and respecting human rights are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they cannot be separated as they go hand in hand toward ensuring the health, safety and security of our citizens. Together, we can respond to the COVID-19 pandemic swiftly and decisively, but also with compassion, inclusivity and respect for the fundamental rights of everyone.
Amending Our Service Delivery During COVID-19
Due to the infections nature of COVID-19 it will be a while before we can host any fundraising activity or flea markets to raise funds for operational expenses. At this time we need your online or in-kind donation to continue assisting victims of gender based violence is critical. Click on the link below to donate using Global Giving online payment platform.
Our Mission:
To advocate for and on behalf of women and children who are victims of gender based violence and lack of access to justice.
Our Vision:
To provide quality, compassionate and nonjudgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and independence in persons experiencing gender based violence, and to lead the struggle to end domestic violence through advocacy and community education.
Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia Inc has been providing services and support to women and children who are victims of domestic violence from 2012. This support is provided through one-on-one case management as well as through group activities and includes support to victims and survivors of:
Rape
Sexual Assault
Child Physical & Sexual Abuse
Lack of Access to Justice for Vulnerable & Marginalized peoples
Lack of Institutional Support & Services for Vulnerable & Marginalized Peoples.
Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors
Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia Inc was created in February 2012 apart from hosting activities which are designed to create public awareness and education of the citizenry has also engaged in activities which gives back and provide tangible assistance such as: -