A lifelong sexual assault survivor from Antigua and Barbuda is driving a nationwide push to overhaul the country’s outdated sexual offense laws, after her public call for reform earned early bipartisan support in parliament just weeks after she first outlined her plan.
Françoise Bowen, who first endured sexual abuse starting at age 5, went public with her three-point plan to address gaps in support for survivors and strengthen child protection during a September 1, 2026 appearance on ABS Radio/TV’s flagship morning program *Antigua Barbuda Today*. During the interview, Bowen opened up about the lasting ripple effects of childhood sexual abuse not just for survivors like herself, but for their loved ones and communities as a whole, before laying out clear policy changes to turn the tide on gender-based violence and child exploitation.
Her first and most urgent proposal centers on updating Antigua and Barbuda’s Sexual Offence Act to raise the legal age of sexual consent to 18, aligning domestic law with the country’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The international human rights treaty, which defines all people under 18 as children entitled to special protection, was ratified by Antigua and Barbuda in October 1993, more than three decades ago. Currently, the country’s law allows 16-year-olds to consent to sexual activity – a provision Bowen argues directly contradicts the nation’s international commitments and leaves minors dangerously vulnerable to exploitation.
To Bowen’s surprise and delight, just 27 days after her interview, both the governing party and opposition leader raised her call for consent law reform during parliamentary debate on September 28, 2026, marking a critical first step toward formal legislative change. To build on this momentum and demonstrate broad public support for urgent action, Bowen has launched a nationwide digital petition urging lawmakers to move forward with a full amendment of the Sexual Offence Act without delay.
“Children under 18, regardless of age, lack the emotional maturity to give informed consent to sexual activity,” Bowen argues. “When we align our law with our commitment to protect children, we will see rates of sexual abuse and assault drop dramatically, potentially even to zero in the long term.” The petition calls for stiff, enforceable penalties for any adult – male or female – who engages in sexual activity with a person under 18, framing reform as a necessary investment to protect both current and future generations of Antiguan and Barbudan children.
Beyond legal reform, Bowen’s original three-point plan also calls for two key changes to expand mental health access for trauma survivors: First, the government should add automatic coverage for trauma therapy and counseling to Antigua and Barbuda’s Medical Benefits Scheme, with a maximum out-of-pocket fee of just 20 Eastern Caribbean dollars (equivalent to roughly $7.40 USD). Currently, the country’s main public hospital does not employ full-time psychiatrists or trauma therapists, but Bowen notes existing infrastructure already allows care teams to refer survivors directly to trained counselors and faith leaders for support immediately.
Second, Bowen calls for all employee insurance packages to mandatory include coverage for grief counseling and trauma therapy, ensuring working survivors do not face financial barriers to accessing the healing care they need.
A survivor who has turned her trauma into advocacy, Bowen has also released a memoir titled *Stolen Innocence: A Tale of Survival and Triumph*, designed to support other survivors on their healing journeys. The book, which is suitable for teen and adult readers, is available for purchase and download through Bowen’s official link page, and can be accessed on Kindle devices. Bowen emphasizes that survivors of sexual violence are not defined by their trauma – they are survivors, and capable of overcoming harm to lead full, powerful lives.
Bowen invited all members of the public to add their name to the reform petition, share their own stories if they feel safe doing so, and engage with her work to build a safer Antigua and Barbuda for all children. The full text of her original interview is available to view on YouTube, and links to the petition, book purchase, and Bowen’s other advocacy work are available via her official Linktree: https://linktr.ee/francoisegbowen.