Monrovia – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has applauded President George Manneh Weah for signing into law the Domestic Violence Act, a legal instrument that seeks to abolish all forms of violence meted against women, children and men.
The Ministry views the passage and signing into law of this legislation as a vital tool in curbing and eradicating the scourge of domestic violence which has permeated every fabric of our society.
he law categorically recognizes domestic violence as a serious crime against individuals and society which takes on many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The Ministry Gender recognizes this Act which is highly focused on effectively rendering assistance and protection to victims and survivors of Domestic Violence as a milestone accomplishment, under the Weah-led administration.
Gender would like to use this medium to express profound gratitude to Members of the 54th National Legislature and other Government Ministries and Agencies for working tirelessly and collaboratively in ensuring the smooth passage of the Domestic Violence Act of 2019.
The Ministry is excited that the Act covers all under its mandate, including vulnerable boys and men.
Additionally, the Act also strengthens the reporting pathway of Domestic Violence cases thereby making it Mandatory for Health Care Providers, School Authorities, and Social Workers to report to law enforcement his or her belief that the injury or death of a victim with whom he or she had a professional interaction is related to domestic violence as enshrined in Section 16.30
Gender sees the new DV law as an energizer that seeks to reinvigorate its ongoing nationwide outreach on ending the menace of rape and all forms of violence that continues to threaten the livelihood of women and children.
The Ministry also recognizes that Domestic Violence is a serious evil and a crime against individuals and society which should not be excused or tolerated.
Receiving a signed copy of the Domestic Violence Law from President Weah’s Legal Advisor, Cllr. Archibald Bernard, Gender Minister Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr commended the Feminist-In-Chief, H.E. President George Manneh Weah, for his affirmative and political will exhibited towards the fight against domestic violence in Liberia.
Minister Saydee-Tarr was accompanied by two of her Deputies, Alice Johnson Howard, Deputy Minister of Gender and Lydia Mai-Sherman, Deputy Minister, Children, and Social Protection respectively.
Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Saydee-Tarr has also extended her Ministry’s appreciation to the Hatchers and Crafters of the Act, the Women Legislative Caucus, Civil Society Groupings, He4She Advocates, AFELL, WANEP, WIPNET, CSOs, Feminists, Activists, the Children’s Representative Forum, International Partners and the resilient women of Liberia for such monumental achievement.
“There couldn’t have been no better land-mark Act for Liberia’s 25th President His Excellency George Manneh Weah, to push forward for passage as this life-changing legacy Act,” she said.
We appreciate the President’s commitment to the upliftment and protection of women and children to no end. On behalf of those under our mandate, we say thank you, President Weah!”