Help for people affected by gender-based violence, HIV

By Linda Straker

A network has been launched in Carriacou and Petite Martinique that will make it easier for persons who are affected by gender-based violence (GBV), HIV as well as other social scourges to receive moral support and guidance.

Called “Friends of the Community against GBV and HIV”, the network, which was launched on Monday, comprises persons who are already employed as professionals in the field, but are willing to voluntarily assist in creating an avenue that will reach out to those who are affected.

GNOW making a presentation to some
members of Friends of the Community.

The launch of the network is a result of persons from the Grenada National Organisation of Women meeting with various social and community professionals as they seek to develop a new approach to reduce GBV and HIV as well as to highlight the direct link between the two.

Funded by PEPFAR, this project is designed to mobilise community action against gender-based violence and the spread of HIV in the 12-18 and 19-65 age group in Grenada over a two-year period. The design includes working in collaboration with co-share partners HOPEPALS and Legal Aide and Counselling Clinic to coordinate a management response approach to HIV and GBV.

Additional support will come from the Grenada Chapter of HIV/AIDS Partnership (GRENCHAP), Caribbean HIV/AIDS Alliance (CHAA), Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health’s National Infectious Disease Control Unit (NIDCU), and National HIV/AIDS Committee. Project activities will be implemented in nine communities across six parishes.

The communities selected are: Chantimelle; Victoria; River Road/D’Beau; Laborie; Gouyave; Telescope; Carriacou; and Petite Martinique. Committees were selected by overlaying the resident location of GBV victims provided by LACC and GNOW with the resident location of HIV victims provided by HOPEPALS.

One of the initiatives of the Carriacou network will be the launch of a 24-hour hotline where persons can call and talk about social matters affecting their lives, with a view to finding solutions through counselling and other appropriate redress.