Acting Prime Minister Navarre-Marie urges enhanced response to family abandonment and abuse

The need to strengthen protection and support mechanisms for victims of domestic violence and abandoned children was highlighted by the Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, this morning, at a symposium titled ‘Family Abandonment: A Call for Justice’, held at the City Council of Port Louis.

The event was organised by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Fam An Mars (FAM) in collaboration with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Quatre Bornes. It served as a platform for women to voice their struggles while also calling for greater awareness and more effective responses to cases of family abandonment.

The Attorney-General, Mr Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover; the Lord Mayor of the City Council of Port Louis, Mr Aslam Adam Hosenally; the Ombudsperson for Children, Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah; the President of FAM, Mrs Ruqayah B. Khayrattee; the President of JCI Quatre Bornes, Ms Srirupa Wawge; and several other personalities were present.

In her address, the Acting Prime Minister underlined the importance of listening to survivors and victims of domestic violence in the review and amendment of existing legislation. She noted that cases of violence against women and abandoned children are reported daily to the Ministry and stressed that laws must continuously evolve to address gaps, including emerging forms of abuse such as financial violence. She also emphasised that, beyond legal reforms, effective enforcement of the law by all stakeholders, including the police, courts and support services, remains essential.

Mrs Navarre-Marie further called for continuous and professional training of frontline officers, police personnel, NGOs and shelter staff to ensure victims are treated with dignity and empathy. She highlighted the difficulties faced by children in shelters, particularly those who are undeclared and unable to access essential services such as education, healthcare and employment opportunities. She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening support systems for vulnerable children and families in collaboration with relevant institutions and NGOs, while encouraging victims of abuse to come forward and seek assistance.

The Attorney-General, for his part, stressed that family abandonment constitutes a serious social issue that requires sustained public discussion and awareness. He recalled that the family plays a fundamental role in shaping values and resilience, warning that its breakdown places significant emotional and financial strain on children and other vulnerable members, with women often bearing the greatest responsibility.

Mr Glover further explained that family abandonment is generally the result of combined pressures, including financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, and relationship breakdown. He referred to existing legal provisions under the Criminal Code and the Children’s Act, noting that amendments are being considered to strengthen enforcement and close legal gaps. He added that legal action alone is not sufficient and must be supported by counselling services, addiction treatment, parenting programmes, and accessible social support systems to effectively address the problem.

13 May 2026

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Topics: Gender

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