Victims of gender-based violence in the south of the island now have access to a more private and supportive space, following the handover of a refurbished counselling and interview room at the Vieux Fort Police Station.
The upgraded facility is designed to give victims of abuse and sexual offences a confidential, trauma-sensitive space where they can speak freely as they report incidents or begin seeking help. It was delivered through the two-year STOP Gender-Based Violence Project, funded by the Government of France as part of wider regional efforts to strengthen frontline responses to abuse.
Minister for Gender Affairs Emma Hippolyte welcomed the addition of the new facility, but also pointed to the need for deeper cultural change alongside infrastructure and policy.
“More than closing a gap and meeting international standards, this room brings attention to the work that officers of the Vulnerable Persons Unit have been doing over the years with whatever little and inadequate resources they had. But I implore you to guard against the false hope that a law, a room or a particular resource is enough. Change must start from our attitudes and behaviours. If we embrace this Government’s mantra of putting people first, then these resources and legislative provisions will only help us serve people better,” she said.
Superintendent Curtis Roberts, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, described the new facility as much more than a physical space.
“It represents hope, dignity and compassion, and a shared commitment to ensuring that those who have experienced trauma are treated with the care and respect they deserve. This room will provide a safe, private and supportive setting where victims can speak freely, receive professional assistance and begin the process of healing. It strengthens our ability to deliver victim-centred services and reinforces our commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
Ambassador of the French Republic to Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean, Marie-Noelle Duris, underscored the global scale of gender-based violence and the need for sustained cooperation between countries.
“Gender-based violence is not an abstract issue. Nearly one in three women and girls worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence during her lifetime. This is a global challenge that requires action at every level. The counselling room we inaugurate today is a concrete result of our collective efforts to ensure that victims receive support, protection and dignity. Today, we celebrate more than the completion of a project; we celebrate the partnerships we have built, the capacities we have strengthened and the commitment that continues to grow,” she said.
The STOP Gender-Based Violence Project, implemented over the past two years, has supported public awareness campaigns such as “Know Your Rights”, training for frontline agencies, support for civil society organisations, and funding for community initiatives aimed at protecting women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
