The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporterˆ

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A 20-year-old woman became the country’s latest murder victim when she was stabbed to death during a domestic dispute yesterday.

Police are still unsure of the circumstances surrounding this latest homicide, however, The Tribune understands that a 40-year-old man of Prison Lane is in police custody assisting them with their investigations.

According to police sources her name was Anthonique Hunter. Today would have been her 21st birthday.

Police say they received a call around 11:30am Wednesday notifying them that a woman had been killed.

When they arrived at the home on Bougainvillea Avenue, they discovered the body of a young woman lying in a pool of blood on the bedroom floor. She had been stabbed in the chest.

She was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

Earlier this year, police said the problem of domestic violence was growing in the Bahamas.

Superintendent Stephen Dean said through the Urban Renewal 2.0 programme, officers have been canvassing communities and have noticed a spike in the number of domestic violence complaints – particularly by women.

“We have been inundated with persons coming with disputes and conflicts,” he said. “I feel good today because of the intervention skills our officers have used and with the assistance members of the public, including community and church leaders, we were able to resolve some of these conflicts, but we see some common trends and we want to put a warning out to persons, particularly those in relationships – there are some indicators.”

According to Mr Dean, some warning signs that a partner might display that could indicate a dangerous situation include: unpredictable behaviour, possessive behaviour, isolating you from your family and friends, stalking, lack of control and high temper.

“No one has the right to abuse you, no one has the right to take advantage of you, it is a criminal offence if anyone causes harm to you,” he said. “I don’t care if it is your husband, your wife or your dearest friend, it is a criminal offence.”

Encouraging those in abusive situations to come forward to police, Mr Dean said a lack of conflict resolution skills is the underlying issue in most of the situations that escalate to violence.