Cayman's FirstCrisis Centre in the Works
Back Row(from left) Ed Powers, Dr. Frank McField, Vanda Powery, SarahDiggle, Tammy Ebanks-Bishop, and Len Layman. Front Row (from left):Barbara Levey, Estella Scott, Eugene Merren, and Kareem Street-Thompson.
The establishment of thefirst crisis centre for battered women and their children is nearingreality, with a site identified and plans underway to open thefacility late this year.
The selected building, nowbeing purchased by Government, is a four-bedroom, three-bath house.It can accommodate up to 18 women and their children, and willbe a secure facility. It is centrally located in George Town,near the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and other emergency/supportservices.
Such a centre has been onGovernment's agenda for a number of years, and with ExecutiveCouncil's approval last December, the process began in earnest.This was largely fuelled by increased reports of domestic abusein recent times, and the lack of temporary accommodations thatprovide a safe and supportive environment for abused women andtheir children.
Ms. Estella Scott, who isresponsible for the women's affairs section in the Ministry ofCommunity Services, Women's Affairs, Youth and Sports, is overseeingthe project.
She said, "Our societycontinues to be plagued by this horrific crime. Even though sensitisationhas increased over the past few years, the crisis centre is akey ingredient that has been lacking in the fight against domesticabuse. Research indicates that 3 out of 4 women worldwide willexperience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime."
She added that the new facilitywill also benefit the children, who are known as the silent victims.
"It is estimated thatmore than 80% of children who live in homes where domestic abusetakes place, witness the abuse and are greatly affected,"she added.
Once Government has acquiredthe property a Board of Directors will manage the crisis centreon a token "peppercorn" lease.
This initiative involvesseveral agencies, primarily the National Committee Against DomesticAbuse (NCADA), and the Women's Resource Centre, who have outlinedthe policies and procedures of the crisis centre and developedits preliminary budget.
In the near future, theywill be selecting a Board of Directors to handle the operationsand fund-raising matters of the centre.
Government will provide the start-up financing and provide anannual grant thereafter. A range of public and private-sectoragencies, such as Social Services, Family Support Unit, the RCIP,the Department of Substance Abuse, the Legal Befrienders, HealthServices and the Business and Professional Women's Club, willlend their expertise once the centre becomes operational.
Community ownership andsupport of this project is also vital, and is already being subscribedto by a cross-section of the private sector.
Cable and Wireless has donateda free land line and local telephone service; and Barbara Levyand Ed Powers, the proprietors of Dickens Café which recentlyclosed, have graciously donated the store's furniture and an extensiverange of supplies to the crisis centre.
Expressing his appreciationat the pubic support, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Carson K. Ebanks,JP, said, These contributions are greatly appreciated, and itis encouraging to see the private sector leading the way withsuch enthusiasm.
"We know that in orderto break the cycle of abuse, we need as much support as possible.The Ministry is dedicated to continuing our efforts of publiceducation on this subject and to ensuring the realization of thislong-needed facility."
Individual donations andlabour are also welcomed, and the continued support of the communityis encouraged as the facility nears completion. For more informationon the crisis centre, or to offer assistance, please contact Ms.Scott at the Ministry of Community Services, Women's Affairs,Youth and Sports, telephone 244-2423 or via email at estella.scott@gov.ky.