March 7, 2002

With Support Of U.S. Embassy, Secretariat Of Women & National Police Inaugurate Legal Services Center For Victims Of Domestic Violence (“Destacamento Amigo”)

Bani – U.S. Ambassador Hans H. Hertell and Dr. Yadira Henríquez Sanchez, Secretary of Women, inaugurated the new Legal Services Center for Victims of Domestic Violence (“Destacamento Amigo”) in Bani today, March 7. This Legal Services Center, which is located in one of the provinces with the highest domestic violence and poverty rates, is modeled upon a similar Center successfully operating in Villa Juana, in the National District, serving an average of 60-70 victims per day, the majority of whom are women, all victims of violence. This Center is designed to provide legal assistance as well as medical and psychological services to victims of domestic violence. In addition, the Center will conduct community outreach and educational activities to combat domestic violence.

The U.S. Government provided over RD$1 million in start-up costs for this center. On their part, the Secretariat of Women, together with the National Police and the District Attorney’s office, have committed resources on an annual basis to keep the center fully staffed and operational.

The Ambassador applauded the steps the Dominican government is taking to raise community awareness of domestic violence and the effects it has on women, children and families. Domestic violence is a problem that needs to be addressed on many different levels and by numerous government actors. “We are heartened by the cooperation between the Secretariat of Women, the Public Ministry, the Secretariat of Police & the Interior, and the Secretariat of Health, to make this a reality,” declared Ambassador Hertell. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to General Daisy Liriano “for her tireless efforts. Without her this project would not have come to fruition.”

The Ambassador lamented the fact that domestic violence is a tragic reality facing millions of women worldwide, including in the United States. He pointed out that because of the intimate relationship between the abuser and the victim, the crime often goes unreported and unpunished. Tragically, children who grow up in violent homes tend to perpetuate violence in their own lives, both within the home and the community. Projects such as this one in Bani help break this cycle of violence by creating a safe haven for women to seek help when they have been abused.

Ambassador Hertell also pointed out the positive role in which the police can serve in the community, expressing “the police exist not only to stop crime, but also to create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.” He encouraged the Dominican government to continue to devote resources to combat domestic violence in the form of community education, health and legal services, and law enforcement.