Dominican Police Join National Gender Violence Prevention Effort

Hundreds of members of the Dominican National Police joined a national consultation on Wednesday focused on strengthening gender violence prevention, bringing law enforcement officers into discussions about how men can help reduce violent behavior and improve institutional responses.

The panel, titled “Voices That Contribute Solutions from the Male Population,” was organized by the Ministry of Women and the National Police as part of the National Consultation for Reducing Risks of Violence Against Women. The initiative is collecting experiences and proposals from men in different sectors of Dominican society.

Police Role Highlighted in Violence Prevention

Minister of Women Gloria Reyes emphasized the importance of involving police officers because of the institution’s presence throughout the country and its regular contact with local communities. That proximity places officers in a position to identify situations that can affect family safety, neighborhood stability and community relations.

The discussion focused on the role men can play in preventing aggressive conduct, with participants examining ways to promote forms of masculinity based on respect and equality. The panel also addressed how to recognize warning signs and reduce behaviors that can escalate into violence.

Participants considered individual, family, social and institutional factors that can contribute to violent behavior. They also discussed tools for managing emotions such as anger, jealousy and frustration without resorting to abuse.

Focus on Reporting, Support and Accountability

Another part of the discussion examined what men can do when they become aware of abuse in their communities or personal surroundings. Participants stressed the need to avoid revictimizing women who report violence and to move away from the perception that domestic violence is a private family matter.

For police officers, the discussions are particularly relevant because their work places them in direct contact with families and communities where signs of domestic abuse may emerge. The consultation seeks to incorporate those experiences into recommendations for prevention and institutional responses.

National Consultation Will Gather Recommendations

The session concluded with an explanation of the consultation instrument and its application to the participating officers. The opinions and proposals collected through the process will be used as inputs for recommendations developed at the conclusion of the national consultation.

The panel was led by Reyes and General Esteban Figuereo García, deputy director general of the Dominican National Police. Specialists from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the National Police and the Ministry of Women also participated.

By bringing police personnel directly into the consultation, the initiative is seeking to incorporate perspectives from an institution that operates at the community level into broader efforts to reduce risks of violence against women in the Dominican Republic.