Town-level anti-gender violence initiative to launch in August
By The Star Staff
The Coordinadora Paz para las Mujeres, the Puerto Rico Shelter Network and the League of Cities will launch the Violet Flag Project in August, an initiative to address gender-based violence at the local level.
“We recognize the importance of addressing gender-based violence at the local level since municipalities are the government entities that offer direct attention to citizens,” Camila Vélez Agosto of the League of Cities said in a written statement.
“It is of utmost importance that mayors begin to shape offices with personnel specialized in providing services to victims of gender-based violence and counseling,” Gurabo Mayor Rosachely Rivera Santana said.
The project, which will run until November, aims to strengthen structures that prevent and address gender-based violence in Puerto Rico’s municipalities.
Towns that meet various requirements will be awarded a Violet Flag, symbolizing their commitment to the most vulnerable communities.
“For us it is urgent that in municipal spaces training focused on various issues related to equity be presented,” said Vilma González Castro, executive director of Coordinadora Paz para las Mujeres.