St. Vincent: Information on the protection available to abused spouses (including common law) and rape victims
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 October 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | VCT15517.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, St. Vincent: Information on the protection available to abused spouses (including common law) and rape victims, 1 October 1993, VCT15517.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab428.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to an official of the St. Vincent Department of Education, Youth and Women's Affairs in Kingstown, there are no centres or shelters for abused spouses or rape victims (15 Oct. 1993). However, the source mentions that government agencies as well as non-governmental organizations are making efforts to acquire such shelters or centres (Ibid.). The same source states that whenever rape cases are reported to the police, the Women's Affairs and the Social Welfare departments get involved by offering their counselling services to the victims (Ibid.). The Catholic Church also runs a program (Marian House) which counsels rape victims (Ibid.). Government agencies and non-governmental organizations are also making efforts to provide legal aid services for abused women (Ibid.). The lack of funds has been a major barrier towards the achievement of this objective (Ibid.).
According to the report on the Regional Meeting on Women, Violence and the Law, which was organized by the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA) and held in Trinidad and Tobago from 28-30 January 1991, there were three participants from St. Vincent (CAFRA 28-30 Jan. 1991, 41). While the report does not mention specifically the kinds of programs available in St. Vincent, you may find it interesting.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Department of Education, Youth and Women's Affairs, Kingstown, St. Vincent. 15 October 1993. Telephone interview with official.
Roberta Clarke. January 1991. "Provisional Report on Women, Violence and the Law." Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA).
Attachment
Roberta Clarke. January 1991. "Provisional Report on Women, Violence and the Law." Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA).
