The Government of The Bahamas has taken another important step toward implementing the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023, with senior leadership training for members of the Protection Against Violence Commission and key partner agencies responsible for advancing the landmark legislation.

The training, held Thursday, July 2, at the Ministry of Social Services Headquarters on JFK Drive, was led by Cleopatra Christie, Attorney-at-Law and Administrator of the Bahamas Crisis Centre. A respected legal professional and long-time advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, Christie has played a significant role in advancing legislative reform, public education and coordinated responses to domestic and sexual violence in The Bahamas.

Minister of Social Services, Senator the Hon. Barbara Cartwright, attended the session, underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Commission is fully equipped to carry out its mandate. She was joined by Permanent Secretary Phedra Rahming Turnquest, Undersecretary Donette Williamson, Director of Gender and Family Affairs Sharmie Farrington, and Education Officer Vechenda Roberts of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, which serves as the executive and administrative arm of the Protection Against Violence Commission.

Among the commissioners and stakeholders participating were Dr. Marisa Mason-Smith, Chair of the Protection Against Violence Commission; Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of the Bahamas Crisis Centre and one of the architects of The Bahamas’ first national plan to address violence against women and families; Assistant Commissioner of Police Janet McKenzie, the Bahamas’ Gender Expert to the Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention (MESECVI); Portia Sands, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage; June Collie, Senior Under Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training; Rev. Roslyn Astwood, representing the Bahamas Christian Council; Desiree Clarke of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities; and other members of the multidisciplinary Commission.

Established under the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023, the Protection Against Violence Commission is responsible for guiding national efforts to prevent violence, strengthen interagency collaboration, improve support services for survivors, and promote public education and accountability.

The Senior Leadership Training forms part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure its members are fully prepared to execute their statutory responsibilities as implementation of the Act continues throughout The Bahamas.

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