The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

WOMEN in Mason’s Addition have reported domestic violence, depression, food and housing insecurity and alleged predatory behaviour by older men towards schoolgirls as the Ministry of Urban Renewal canvasses communities ahead of a women’s symposium later this month.

More than 200 homes had been visited over the past two weeks before Urban Renewal Minister Lisa Rahming led a walkabout through the area on Monday, according to ministry officials.

The outreach has identified women seeking safe accommodation, help for their children, food assistance and confidential access to support services.

Centerville Urban Renewal Centre manager Joanne Baillou Ferguson said some women had approached the ministry because they needed somewhere safe to stay.

“Women are now coming to us asking for a safe place,” Ms Ferguson said. “They need homes for their kids. They need food. We’re finding this out as we go door to door.”

She said women did not necessarily have to approach police directly for help because other organisations and resources were available, and said confidentiality would be an important part of the initiative.

Ms Rahming said the ministry would spend five days visiting communities across New Providence to promote the September 24 symposium, “Women Have A Voice Too”.

She said the initiative was prompted by concern about violent crimes against women and a belief that some women feel they are not being heard.

“We want them to know we're listening,” Ms Rahming said. “You have a voice, and we're going to give you that forum to have a voice.”

The symposium will connect women with professionals offering assistance in areas including domestic violence, depression, health and social services. Women unwilling to discuss their circumstances publicly will be able to speak privately with professionals, while transportation will be provided for those who need it.

The event is being held in honour of Ann Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister, whom Ms Rahming described as “a champion and an advocate for women in this country on every spectrum”.

During Monday’s walkabout, which began at Father Marshall Cooper Park on Saxon Way, residents also raised concerns about domestic and sexual abuse, financial hardship and the safety of young girls.

Pauline Paula Rolle, 68, said she had seen older men offer small amounts of money to schoolgirls passing through the community and believed some of the children were vulnerable because they were hungry.

“Young men, old men, giving these children dollar,” Ms Rolle said. “I witness one or two and I almost brought my cane to show him!”

She said some girls appeared frightened and hungry but still took the money.

“So, it's a lot of things happening to women and children today,” Ms Rolle said. “They ain't talking about it. Some of them come on my porch and sit down and say 'Ms Rolle, I be so hungry'.”

Ms Rolle said she had personally confronted an older man whom she saw calling out to schoolchildren.

“I witnessed an old man, almost 63, calling the little children going to school,” she said, “but I told him you don't have nothing to call them for.”

Rhonda Edgecombe, 49, said she regularly speaks with her 16-year-old daughter about reports of violence against women and said the teenager has become fearful.

“She's a bit frightened,” Ms Edgecombe said. “Because it could be anybody's child, any mother, any sister.”

She said her concern was heightened by the fact that perpetrators are often people known to victims rather than strangers.

“I don't want that, I don't know that life, and I don't want that for my child,” she said.

Another resident, Mira Gardiner Humes, 67, said some women were “catching hell” behind closed doors and needed help.

Reverend Diana Francis, a co-chair of the initiative, urged women to attend the symposium and seek assistance.

“Women have a voice too,” Rev Francis said, “and we’re gathering because we want the voices of women to be heard.”

She said the initiative was intended to help women through struggles, difficulties and other challenges.