In demonstrating the significance placed on this protocol, the ministers for each of the sectors, including the Prime Minister as Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, publicly signed the protocol into force on 16 May 2011 (OAS 2014). The protocol provides a set of guidelines for responders (health, judiciary and police) to guide their interventions, especially for proper management of cases of domestic and sexual violence. The protocol has identified the role of the Ombudsman as key to ensuring accountability of duty bearers.