Miss Seychelles contestants better-informed about abuse in Seychelles |25 September 2020

The Miss Seychelles contestants listening to a presentation (Photos: Thomas Meriton)

The Ministry of Family Affairs yesterday hosted the Miss Seychelles hopefuls for an informative presentation on the situation of abuse in Seychelles, an activity organised to coincide with this month’s Orange Day activity.

Orange Day is an international campaign which encourages people to wear orange clothes on every 25th of the month, in solidarity with victims of violence, especially violence against women and girls, and to ultimately put an end to all forms of violence.

During her presentation, Natasha Louise of the department of social services addressed sexual abuses, highlighting the increasing prevalence of such offences over recent years, both in the local and global context.

Citing statistics recorded from 2016 to August 2020, Ms Louise noted an alarming increase in cases, which have almost doubled between January and August 2020, as compared to earlier years.

A total of 152 cases were reported in 2016, 122 in 2017, 115 in 2018 and 135 in 2019 as compared to 284 in 2020.

In addition to statistics on adolescent pregnancy, Ms Louise covered the signs and effects of sexual abuse on victims, the legislative frameworks which guarantee sexual rights (adults) and the rights of children, as well as legal frameworks under which they can seek protection or justice if their rights are violated.

Colleague Winnie Racombo also assumed responsibility for part of the presentation, providing the beauty pageant contestants with information and statistics pertaining to domestic abuse.

Similarly to Ms Louise, Ms Racombo outlined the different types of domestic violence, and noted that women and girls are most often victimised.

Over 100 cases have been reported every year since 2015, some of whom are self-referred victims and others who are referred to the department through the Family Tribunal.

Ms Racombo talked the contestants through the channels through which abuse is dealt with, and the forms of assistance available to victims.

Both presenters asserted that the statistics are not reflective of the actual situation on account that victims of abuse are often too scared or ashamed to come forward, for fear of further abuse.

The 11 brainy beauties had an opportunity to ask questions following the presentations, as well as an opportunity to interact with Family Affairs Minister Mitcy Larue, on her personal experience and words of wisdom as a well-revered public figure.

In addition to the contestants, the session was attended by principal secretaries Marie-Josée Bonne (family affairs) and Linda William-Melanie (social affairs), and representatives of the Miss Seychelles beauty pageant organisers Beauty Empowerment Seychelles Stephanie Duval and Margaret Raguin.

Laura Pillay