Nashauna Drummond, Staff Reporter

PORTIA SIMPSON-MILLER

November 25 is commemorated as the International Day Against Violence Against Women. On November 23, the Bureau of Women's Affairs and NGOs across the island gathered at St. Andrew Parish Church Hall to condemn violence against women.

The occasion was used as a platform to increase awareness and sensitivity on the plight of women who are victims of violence.

Influential women in Jamaica and around the world issued statements decrying this violation of human rights. This year's theme: 'Advance Human Rights - End Violence Against Women'.

Here are excerpts from these statements:

Noeleen Hayzer executive director of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

"There is encouraging news: by now, 89 states have adopted legislative provisions that address domestic violence, including 60 states with specific domestic violence laws. This is a clear increase in comparison to 2003, when only 45 countries had specific laws on domestic violence. Violence against women does not only devastate the life of every woman who is being abused, it also hurts societies as a whole."

The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller: Prime Minister of Jamaica

"The sad fact is that the majority of the violence committed against women is carried out within the private sphere of the family, with devastating consequences for the well-being and proper development of those children who are directly exposed to it."

Faith Webster, acting executive director, Bureau of Women's Affairs

"It is critical that we as a society see violence against women for what it is, potentially a breach of the human rights of half our population."

Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, Opposition Spokesperson on Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, Gender and Children's Affairs

"Of concern are the recent reports of spousal abuse, resulting in very gruesome deaths. Statistical data reveal unacceptable levels of domestic violence in Jamaica. In 2005, there were 5,527 reported incidents. The figures for domestic violence could be much higher, as many cases go unreported. I appeal to our women to not cower in fear - speak out, get help, seek redress."

"I appeal to the Government to act decisively and increase its efforts in addressing this serious abuse of human rights."