The Saint Lucia Forensic Laboratory, on Tuesday, brought together stakeholders in a Sexual Assault Symposium with the aim of finding prudent ways of improving the response, investigation and prosecution of such offences.

Director of the Saint Lucia Forensic Laboratory, Ms. Fernanda Henry, explained that the objective is to formulate a proposal with the recommendations coming out of the symposium. The proposal will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers with a view of improving the national approach to sexual assault.

Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, Sen. Hon Hermangild Francis, throwing his support behind the initiative, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring all necessary actions are taken to improve and enhance the judicial system on all levels. The Minister said that a strong and clear message must be sent to the perpetrators of sexual crime, that they will be held accountable for their actions and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The symposium was held under the theme “Sexual Assault: Establishing a Survivor-Centered Response.”