CATEGORY:CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
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Inside Grenada
Sunday December 24,2006



THE DOMESTIC Violence Unit of the Ministry of Social Development extends Season’s Greetings to all families throughout the state of Grenada with warm wishes for a Christmas that is filled with Christ’s love.

This period can become very stressful for parents, husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends. Yet it is not an occasion to inflict physical, emotional or financial abuse on anyone. An invitation to a party or to have lunch should not be seen as the green light to date rape, molest or harass the recipient who has accepted the invitation.

The use of alcohol is another excuse used by abusers for their aggressive behaviour especially during festive occasions such as Christmas. This must never be tolerated since there are healthy ways to vent out frustration without resorting to violence.

Instead, let us use this festive season to show each other as family members, that we love and care for one another and that we want a life free of violence and one that is full of peace and love.

Fellow Grenadians, it is possible to live a life free of violence in homes where there is harmony and understanding and conflict is resolved without violence. However to do this, we must have the love of Christ within us as exemplified by his simple birth as well as his relationship with the people he walked with and lived among during his life on earth.

Let us treat our parents, relatives, the young, the elderly, our children as we would like to be treated – with dignity and respect. As relatives, friends and community members we owe it to each other to look out for one another. Your help may be needed to break the silence on domestic violence.

It is our hope that the New Year begins within all homes in the State of Grenada, with love and respect for each other, as well as patience and tolerance when interacting with each other. It gives us the opportunity for new beginnings. A time to reflect on our lives and make new decisions such as are necessary in order to create peace and unity within our homes and by extension our communities.

This will ensure a peaceful country with families who show regard for one another, avoid harming each other and instead treat each other with consideration.

May all families throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique enjoy a peaceful and love - filled Christmas and a New Year that is healthy, happy, productive and violence free.

May God bless us all.