The minister with responsibility for Information says the Bureau of Women’s Affairs has identified four areas of focus for tackling sexual violence and abuse against women and children.

Sandrea Falconer had directed the Bureau to deliver a summary of recommendations for deliberation, following outrage over the Irwin Point rape of five females, including an eight-year-old.

The Bureau presented its recommendations at a meeting yesterday.

Falconer said the areas of focus are public education and training, shelters, sustainable livelihoods and gender and institutional strengthening.

She said it is hoped that these areas will bring about change at the community level.

Falconer said the Bureau of Women’s Affair also wants to establish partnerships with private sector and non-governmental organisations.

She said the next step is to focus on identifying resources that already exist to support the plan.

Falconcer said once everything is in place, a final document will be taken to Cabinet for approval.

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