In Morovis, Puerto Rico, at-large senator Dr. Ada Álvarez Conde led a training session for members of the Morovis Municipal Police focused on preventing, identifying and responding to domestic violence situations. The session, titled 'Recognition of signs and empathetic intervention', covered the different manifestations of domestic violence, including emotional, physical, sexual and economic abuse, and stressed the importance of identifying behaviors and patterns of mistreatment that often go unnoticed.
Domestic violence does not always leave visible marks.
Álvarez Conde emphasized that police officers play a fundamental role as first responders in domestic violence cases, and that they need both preparation and sensitivity to properly assist victims. 'Domestic violence does not always leave visible marks. There are forms of emotional, sexual and economic abuse that can go unnoticed if we do not have the tools to recognize them.
Our police must be prepared not only to intervene, but also to listen, understand and act with empathy toward those facing these situations,' the senator said. She said the initiative seeks to promote more humane, responsible and effective interventions, noting that a proper response can make a significant difference in protecting victims. Before her election, Álvarez Conde worked as an instructor at the Puerto Rico Police Academy, where she taught courses on domestic violence and intervention strategies.
As spokesperson for the PPD on the Senate Security and Veterans Committee, she has met with mayors and said she seeks tools and support for municipal police. In Morovis, the Office of Women’s Affairs and the Proyecto Vida program can be reached at 787-862-2155, ext. 2700.