Amid growing concerns over domestic violence on the island, Minister for Gender Affairs Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte has confirmed a Women’s Support Centre is operational on the island. However, for security reasons, the exact location of the facility remains undisclosed.
The minister also revealed that the centre’s operations are being reassessed.
Dr. Albert-Poyotte explained that the centre has been providing shelter and essential support to women and children escaping abusive situations for several years.
“We do not advertise where that Women’s Support Centre is because if it has to be a safe place for women, it cannot be public knowledge,” she said at the pre-Cabinet press briefing on Monday.
According to Poyotte, the government contributes over $400 000 annually to fund the centre, which operates in a government-owned building and is staffed by a dedicated and trusted team.
In addition to offering temporary shelter, the centre provides virtual counselling and other forms of support to victims.
Dr Albert-Poyotte disclosed that a recent review of the centre’s operations revealed that the board overseeing the facility had not been functioning as effectively as required. As a result, authorities have decided to reassess the centre’s operations.
Meanwhile, the Crisis Centre continues to offer counselling and guidance, though it does not provide accommodation at this time.
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I said that I would not think about politics in 2025 but this is ridiculous. Back to back press releases look really bad for the authorities. If the crisis center is supposed to be a secret then what is the procedure to get access to it? Should domestic abuse victims be referred or brought to the center by the police? Yet again the government is shifting the blame. Does anything work in Saint Lucia?
As a resident from Babonneau, I think Virginia should do all of us a favor. She should just quit politics.
Thank You.