The following information adds that provided in VCT42714.E of 26 May 2004 on domestic violence in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including police response to complaints.

The coordinator of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights Association (SVGHRA) provided the following information in a 17 June 2004 telephone interview.

The government has finally set up a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Kingstown Park, near the capital, Kingstown. The shelter is currently being renovated, so it is not yet open to the public. The coordinator did not know how many victims would have access to the building, which will serve as a temporary shelter to those victims. The country does not yet have a legal aid clinic, but a project is under way to establish one. Concerning new bills on violence against women, a campaign was implemented to pressure the government to adopt a law on sexual harassment.

No additional information could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Human Rights Association (SVGHRA), Kingstown. 17 June 2004. Telephone interview with the coordinator.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International, CLADEM, The Daily Herald [Kingstown], Human Rights Watch, SVGHRA, United Nations Women Watch, US Department of State, World News Connection