Over the next five months the Ministry of Human Affairs and Information will be joining forces with the Women's Advisory Council to investigate issues outlined in the Throne Speech.

Violence against women, child care and equality in the workplace are among topics to be researched by a coalition of womens' organisations.

Their findings will be set out in a report due to be submitted in April and will provide the backbone for a Government policy paper tackling the issues.

Minister of Human Affairs the Hon. Jerome Dill spoke out strongly on the issue of domestic violence in the House of Assembly yesterday.

"The Ministry completely repudiates the notion of domestic violence and the perception that because this is an action that take place in a home it is permissible,'' he said.

"Violence in any form and in any place must not be condoned in this society.

Every person in this community should be free from violence or the threat of violence, either on the street or in one's home.

"Persons who are perpetrators of violence should be subject to the full force of the law.'' Other ongoing issues the Womens' Advisory Council will be addressing include: Creation of legislation equalising legal status of men and women; Anti-stalking research and recommendations for legislation; Child care and parenting education; Maternity leave and promotion opportunities; and Issues affecting elderly women.