Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Training Programme for Officers handling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was launched this morning at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, in the presence of the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Mr Lutchmanah Pentiah.
The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of officers working within the Family Support Services (FSS) to effectively manage domestic violence cases. As part of the initiative, officers are being briefed on the legal framework in place and the actions to be taken when a victim reports to the FSS.
In her address, Minister Navarre-Marie pointed out that the training programme’s objective is to strengthen institutional responses and ensure a more survivor-centred approach. GBV is not merely a social issue but a national concern with political, economic and security implications, she said.
The Minister recalled that significant reforms have been undertaken by Government, including the repeal of Article 242 of the Criminal Code and the restructuring of Family Support Services into 12 fully operational One-Stop Shops as from 1 August 2025. These centres, she highlighted, provide integrated and coordinated services encompassing child protection, psychosocial support, family welfare assistance and legal guidance. She outlined that the success of these reforms depends on the professionalism, empathy and discretion demonstrated by those on the frontline.
Stressing the importance of prevention, public education and the transformation of harmful social norms, Minister Navarre-Marie underscored the collective responsibility of Government, civil society, communities and citizens.
For the period of November 2024 to date, 4,127 domestic violence cases were reported to the Police, demonstrating the urgency of sustained national action. In the wake of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will be celebrated on 25 November, a continued national commitment is needed to ensure that no victim is left behind and that safety, dignity and equality are upheld for all, Mrs Navarre-Marie added.
For his part Minister Pentiah underlined that the persistence of GBV continues to undermine families and social cohesion, despite significant progress in gender equality within the public service. According to him, over 60% of public sector officers are now women, reflecting a shift towards greater representation and leadership.
Mr Pentiah also pointed out that modules on gender equality and women’s empowerment will be integrated into the training curriculum of the Institute for Public Service and Innovation.
The training is being conducted by personnel from the FSS, representatives of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, as well as officers of the Ministry who are well-acquainted with the Domestic Violence Information System and the support applications commonly used in case management.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
