Health Minister Links Substance Abuse to Domestic Violence

And staying on the topic of domestic violence, Health Minister Kevin Bernard says tackling substance abuse is key to breaking the cycle. He believes stronger laws to curb alcohol and drug abuse could help prevent gender-based violence, since these substances often impair judgment and fuel aggression. Minister Bernard expressed deep concern over the recent tragedies linked to domestic violence, calling them a painful reminder of why urgent action is needed.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“But it leads us to also understand the ills that is affecting society and individuals and as I spoke to you a while ago, alcohol drugs, we have to address these matters and as a ministry of health that is where we are working closely through NDAC and others to make sure we can push for legislation that will see the curbing of those abuses, whether it is drugs alcohol, tobacco that affects the lives and mental state of individuals. So we have to really see more support for families and women to prevent these types of incidents from happening.  We cannot have these kinds of activities happening over and over. Look at the woman who was placed in a dirt drum, murdered. What caused that, I don’t know. But in our society something is wrong and we need to fix that and turn that around. And I am hoping that every stakeholder and player in this country that has a part to play do their part and make sure we live in a better society.”