Christians alarmed at alleged police rapes

KINGSTOWN (CMC):

The Christian Coalition in St Vincent and the Grenadines expressed alarm on Tuesday about “the recent reports of rape and sexual abuse” in the country.

The group said that the most recent cases allegedly involving police officers “are especially of concern since those accused of being the alleged perpetrators are persons entrusted with the security of our nation”.

Recently, two police officers were charged with sexual assault, including one accused of raping a 15-year-old who had allegedly left her home to avoid sexual assault.

The other police officer has been charged with raping a woman who was in protective custody, as she is a witness in a murder case.

“We are mindful that the problem of rape is multifaceted and, therefore, requires responsible discourse, as we collectively seek to determine the root causes and mitigate against them. While we encourage the use of available research, the need to particularise the conversation to our Vincentian reality must be underscored,” the Christian Coalition said.

The group said that the incidents of sexual assault “demand a reiteration of the need for our women to be treated with the dignity and respect deserving of persons made in the image and likeness of God”.