The issues highlighted previously are in need of dire attention. Because of the sensitive nature of each problem, a compassionate and loving environment, with the correct resources is imperative. Presently in Barbados there is no agency which caters to these specific needs women experience. Facilities like Verdun House, Teen Challenge and the Barbados Homeless and Vagrants’ Society have been made available for men facing a variety of problems. Likewise, a centre is needed for women on the island. The Women’s Inner Spiritual Healing Centre is ideal for addressing the issues emphasized, in efforts to prevent many of our young women from developing into dysfunctional adults in our society.

There is a chronic problem of child abuse in Barbados, especially sexual and incestuous forms, which has affected a significant number of families in the island. Although there is an agency (the Child Care Board) legally vested with the child protection mandate in Barbados, there is still a great need for an organization which will focus on the rehabilitation of victims after the trauma of sexual abuse.

Reports from the Child Care Board demonstrate that within the gender distribution of child victims, girls are over represented in the overall figures. The figures further established that almost 55% of child abuse victims are female. The tragedy is however that many of these abused girls (who usually become very dysfunctional) go on and will go on to be mothers and caregivers of the next generation of citizens of this great country. Child sexual abuse often results in patterns of behaviour, vulnerability and re-victimisation which increase the likelihood of the children of survivors being more exposed to risk of abuse. Furthermore the socialisation and internalisation of abusive behaviours may lead to some children who were abused becoming abusers themselves. Intergenerational abuse is often stated as a particular problem within Caribbean communities. Noll (1993) cites evidence supporting ‘a persistent cycle of violence perpetrated against women that begins in childhood in the form of sexual abuse, re-emerges later in adolescence and early adulthood in the form of physical assault or sexual revictimisation, and ultimately places the next generation at considerable risk for victimisation. Supporting this finding of the intergenerational cycle of abuse is the work of McCloskey et al (2004) who reports that a maternal sexual abuse history indicates a greater likelihood for a woman to be subject to re-vicitimisation and her children to be targeted for abuse.

The Child Care Board in Barbados admittedly indicates that child care officers questioned the Department’s ability to adequately address the volume of child abuse cases coming to the attention of the agency. The Agency has been calling for a therapeutic facility to address the needs of emotionally disturbed children as well as those who have conduct disorders.

In Barbados, although there is known sexual exploitation of children, there remains the challenge of developing and implementing long-term programmes and legislation to protect citizens from any form of exploitation.

Research has shown that most women who work as prostitutes have been physically or sexually abused as children. Prostitution is frequently alluded to as one of the possible long term effects of the sexual abuse of children. Several authors assert that prostitutes have more often experienced incest and forced intercourse than non-prostitutes. Thus, women who were sexually abused as children are more likely to become involved in prostitution.

With the rise of human trafficking in Barbados and the Caribbean region, there are also many women being raped and forced into a lifestyle of prostitution. STDs/STIs, abortions, mental and emotional trauma become increasing health challenges for these women and ultimately for our country. Furthermore, because of the stigma and discrimination directed towards prostitutes, many of them (those forced and willing) are usually very reluctant to seek medical attention.
This then poses a serious health risk to many on the island. For those females who desire to turn away from the practice of prostitution, economic concerns may cause them to feel trapped. Thus, by providing vocational training and empowerment for these women, Women’s Inner Healing Centre will facilitate their transformation.

By considering this project, you will be facilitating the journey into uncharted waters and contributing to the development of the first ever Women’s Inner Spiritual Healing Centre in Barbados. Ultimately facilitating the restoration and transformation of many bruised and broken lives in Barbados.