Dominica Strengthens GBV Response with National Training on Domestic Violence Protection Act

Dominica has taken a significant step forward in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a two-day national training workshop hosted by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, through the Bureau of Gender Affairs.

The workshop aimed to build capacity and raise awareness among stakeholders from various sectors about the GBV referral pathway and to support the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act (2023).

Held in collaboration with the UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean under the Build Back Equal Project, and funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, the training brought together key actors from justice, health, social services, and civil society.

The sessions focused on survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches, data-driven decision-making, and coordinated multi-agency strategies to ensure effective implementation of the Act.

A core objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and other stakeholders by enhancing data collection practices and developing a clear, actionable roadmap. This roadmap is designed to align with ongoing GBV programs and initiatives already in place across the country.

Lester Guye, Director of Gender Affairs, emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach:

“We are finalizing implementation strategies based on the consultant’s recommendations on the Domestic Violence Protection Act. We are meeting with stakeholders to ensure that everything is in place so we can implement the Act’s objectives safely and effectively. The Government of Dominica is fully committed to operationalizing the Act. This workshop is a crucial step in making sure it becomes more than just legislation—it becomes a living tool that protects and empowers survivors. It's about translating law into practice.

This training is also essential for building trust and improving how our systems respond to those who need help the most.”

Guye extended gratitude to the partner agencies that have supported Dominica’s efforts.

Loveness Nyakujarah, Coordinator for the Build Back Equal Project, noted:

“Through support from Global Affairs Canada, we are proud to assist Dominica in strengthening its GBV response mechanisms and advancing the implementation of the Domestic Violence Protection Act. This training is part of a broader regional effort to build stronger, more inclusive systems that can respond effectively to gender-based violence.

Change happens when government, civil society, and communities come together. This workshop brings those actors into one space to ensure that survivors receive the coordinated and compassionate care they deserve.”

Nyakujarah also highlighted that providing essential and efficient GBV services contributes directly to women’s economic security by removing barriers to their full participation in public and private life.

The training was facilitated by Dr. Susana Martinez Restrepo, a leading expert in GBV policy. Dr. Restrepo provided technical guidance for developing a national action plan to implement the Act.

She explained:

“This training helps us understand how survivors of domestic and gender-based violence can be re-victimized—during interviews, when accessing shelters, in hospitals during rape examinations, or through interactions with the judicial system. Repeating their story multiple times or undergoing repeated examinations due to lack of available specialists—these are forms of re-victimization.

Our goal is to promote survivor empowerment. Even small choices—like what they want to wear, whether they want to call a family member, have a glass of water, or go to a shelter—can be empowering. Respecting those decisions and creating an environment that prioritizes safety makes a tremendous difference.”

This national initiative is the result of months of technical support and stakeholder consultation. It is part of a broader effort to close capacity gaps, improve referral mechanisms, and create a safer, more responsive system for GBV survivors in Dominica.