Grange says state-run shelter for abused women well advanced

Minister for Gender Affairs Olivia 'Babsy' Grange says the process of creating the first state-run national shelter for women who need to leave abusive environments is well advanced.

Grange made the announcement in a statement to Parliament a short time ago in the wake of a string of deadly attacks on women and children, mostly in domestic disputes.

She said in recent months the government completed acquisition of the property on which the national shelter will be housed.

"We are transforming it into a centre to accommodate survivors of gender-based violence and children," Grange told the House of Representatives.

She said the centre will also offer basic necessities, counselling and other forms of support.

Up to the end of last month, a total of 38 children have been reported murdered across the island this year, police statistics have revealed.

According to the police, this is a 21 per cent decrease or 10 fewer than the number of children reported killed over the similar period last year.

The police say 20 of the 38 killings this year involving children have been cleared up, meaning a suspect has been arrested and charged.

Among the women and children murdered in recent months are 14-year-old Yetanya Francis, whose burnt body was found in an open lot in south St Andrew, and Shanoya Wray, whose skeletal remains were found in a bathtub in Mona, St Andrew.

Others include 45-year-old Deon Smith, who was reportedly stabbed several times and her 16-year-old daughter's throat slashed in a jealous rage in St James and Simone Collymore, who was shot to death, along with her taxi driver, as they entered an apartment in St Andrew.

"The attacks have been heartless, callous, horrific and brutal and are causing many of our women and children to worry," Grange said.

"But we must not cower in fear. We must expose the brutes, help the security forces to find them and provide the evidence for the courts to put them away," she continued.

"I will not be silent. I will raise my voice in this House and elsewhere. I will denounce every act of violence," Grange insisted.

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