Leslie Miller's domestic abuse comments in the House of Assembly “perpetuates and encourages violence against women” ... says Bahamas Crisis Centre Director, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson

Crisis Centre rebukes abuse comments

Says MPs’ voices needed in fight against domestic abuse

By KRYSTEL ROLLE-BROWNR
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com
Nassau, The Bahamas

A recent comment on domestic abuse that Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller made in the House of Assembly “perpetuates and encourages violence against women”, Bahamas Crisis Centre Director Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson said yesterday.

During his contribution to the mid-year budget debate in the House of Assembly, Miller suggested that he physically abused an ex-girlfriend, but later said those comments were made in “jest”.

While not seeking to criticize Miller, Dean-Patterson said his remarks bring much needed attention to the issue of domestic violence, which she said is readily accepted and tolerated in the Bahamian society.

“So to hear leaders and respected parliamentarians joke about behavior such as this only serves to reinforce perpetrators in their belief that they have a right to beat women and it feeds into the misogynic attitude that many people have that objectifies and sexualizes women,” said Dean-Patterson at a press conference at the Crisis Centre.

“This continued acceptance and tolerance occurs because of the acceptance of the myths and belief systems that support it, such as the one expressed on the floor of the House of Assembly that women like beatings...and provoke you to do it.”

Miller has since apologized for his comments. He said he has never abused women.

Miller made his original statements as he criticized the opposition for allegedly not standing up for Bahamian fishermen while it was in government but seeking to put pressure on the present government to assist them.

He compared the behaviour to an abusive relationship.

“Today they come in here preaching about their love for the fishermen,” said Miller, referring to the opposition.

“My God, that’s your idea of love? That’s like beating your wife or your girlfriend every time you go home.

“You just beat her for looking at her. I love ya. Boom, boom, boom.

“I had a girlfriend like that. When I didn’t beat her she used to tell me I ain’t love her no more cause I don’t hit her.

“But seriously, I had one like that. I had one. She used to tell me,” he insisted as other members murmured and chuckled.

House Speaker Dr. Kendal Major injected, “We know that you’re joking with that.”

However, Miller said he was “serious with that”.

Miller said his hand used to hurt from the abuse he administered.

Following that statement, Miller acknowledged that his analogy was in poor taste.

He said he meant no harm and pledged to contribute a minimum of $1,000 to the Crisis Centre.

Dean-Patterson commended Miller for apologizing.

She said parliamentarians must join the fight against domestic abuse.

“It’s their voices that people need to hear and not laughter that perpetuates and bolster the myths and encourage intimate partner violence,” she said.

“…We all talk about the anger in our nation. We need to look at how we can make our homes more nurturing and safe…It’s our responsibility to rid our nation of this scourge.”

March 08, 2014

thenassauguardian

Research shows domestic violence is a major driver of The Bahamas' crime problems

'Crime Driven By Domestic Violence'

NEW research shows domestic violence is a major driver of country’s crime problems, Social Service Minister Melanie Griffin revealed.

Addressing the premiere of the docudrama “Get Out” at the New Providence Community Centre over the weekend, Mrs Griffin said Bahamians cannot continue to “bury their heads in the sand” when it comes to reporting abuse within the home, as research undertaken by the Bahamas Crisis Centre shows children who are abused become desensitised to violence, and are more likely to carry weapons to school or social events.

“To put it bluntly, many of the young males paraded before the courts today charged with violent crimes and many of the young girls committed for uncontrollable behaviour were themselves likely victims of some type of abuse,” Mrs Griffin said.

“Over the years we have hurt ourselves by ignoring the problem, because studies show that unchecked domestic violence not only escalates, but manifests itself in many other different ways.

“The stark reality is that our crime problem will not be solved if we do not solve the problem of domestic violence.”

Violence within the family, particularly against women and children, has been an “open secret” in The Bahamas for many years, the minister said.

“All too often we have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the scars and screams of those who are regularly beaten and by doing so we have, in fact, hurt ourselves.”

She explained that Bahamian law defines domestic violence as physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial abuse committed by a person against a spouse, partner, child or any other person who is a member of the household or dependent.

For its part, she said, the government has passed legislation in the form of the Domestic Violence (Protection Orders) Act, 2007 providing legal protection for victims and counselling intervention for perpetrators.

In 2008, changes to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act increased the sentence for the offence of rape to life imprisonment and criminalised voyeurism, sexual harassment and certain forms of pornography, she said.

“Last year the government established a National Task Force on Ending Gender-Based Violence and approved a State Accountability Study to end Violence against Women and Children funded by UNWomen.  These two initiatives are designed to co-ordinate the work of all agencies in the fight against violence and to produce a national strategic plan to eliminate gender-based violence.

“The work of the National Child Protection Council and the Child Protection and Urban Renewal Units of the Department of Social Services, as well as our community and school-based programmes are also ongoing.

“We must all realise, however, that no government can do everything.  We need the help of every man, woman, boy and girl to fight this onslaught.  It is up to you to report the crime of domestic violence just as you would any other crime,” she said.

Mrs Griffin said the filming of the docudrama was a step in “the right direction” as it seeks to raise the level of awareness of the problem and discuss what can be done about it.

“The organisers are commended for bringing the project to fruition and we pray for its success.  I thank you,” she said.  “The importance of this film cannot be stressed enough as it brings focus to a most pervasive global and national problem, domestic violence.

“I applaud Mr Trevor Clarke, director, and Mrs Patrice Lockhart-Stubbs, executive producer, the production staff of Fujon Media Video and Photography and the actors involved in creating this docudrama for their outstanding work,” Mrs Griffin said.

January 21, 2014

Tribune 242