–Minister Pesaud assures systems are being strengthened to help victims
In the last five years, Guyana has recorded 104 deaths, including men and women, who have died following domestic violence incidents. This revelation was made by the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindya Persaud.
During an interview on the Starting Point Podcast, Persaud said when she took office in 2020, there was much work to be done within the ministry as it relates to domestic violence. She noted that although there was a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, it primarily focused on policy while missing key elements such as proper data collection, policy-driven programming, and building victims’ confidence in the system.
Regarding fatalities, the minister disclosed that 96 persons have been killed since 2020. She subsequently clarified that this was only women, while eight men were killed.
“…What is of concern to me now, and it’s something we are investigating and trying to analyse, is the phenomenon where the partners kill the women and then commit suicide,” she said, acknowledging the rise in murder-suicide cases.
She acknowledged that a lot of work can be put into getting a case before the court, but when it reaches that stage, oftentimes, victims no longer wish to proceed. However, she made it clear, “I don’t believe at all in victim blaming, or that’s what people call it. I do not believe in that.”
Minister Persaud also addressed the complex reasons why many victims choose to remain with their abusive partners. She said there remains a stigma attached to gender-based and family-based violence.
“It still is happening, and people feel pressured to stay. There is also the issue of financial independence for women, particularly. There is also the issue of children being involved and weaponised, too. So you have all of these very complex issues, and I dare say, it will take us a long time to completely eradicate,” she noted.
Moreover, the minister revealed that since the launch of the 914 hotline to report domestic violence incidents, it has received approximately 67,000 calls, averaging between 10,000 and 13,000 calls annually. Notably, the minister disclosed that domestic violence against men is on the rise, with over 300 men making reports this year, the highest figure recorded to date.
She explained that trained staff operate the toll-free line 24 hours a day. Minister Persaud noted that in cases of active incidents, the police are immediately notified, and victims are moved to safety. There are both state-owned and partner-run shelters, but Minister Persaud noted that some women prefer other means of accommodation. In this regard, her ministry started a programme that pays rent for up to three months for victims to live independently.
Further, she highlighted the Family Violence Act 2024, which allows a survivor to remain in the home while the perpetrator is legally required to leave. Also, police officers are empowered to enter premises without a warrant if there is reasonable cause to believe that violence is occurring.
Though the law allows for protection orders, she said there continue to be instances of breaches which sometimes result in deaths.
INITIATIVES
In 2022, the ministry launched the Community Advocate Network, which now comprises 1,200 trained advocates across all regions. “We are not everywhere. We can’t realistically know everything. So between the Communities Advocate Network System, the 914 reporting mechanism, and the iMatter app,” she explained, there is a greater opportunity for serving more persons.
The iMatter app, created under the Spotlight Initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations, is the first digital app of its kind in the Caribbean and Latin America. It provides users with a panic button linked to 914, access to national gender based violence resources, and educational materials tailored for various age groups. The app has recorded over 1,000 downloads from the Google Play Store, and a live chat feature was recently added for those unable to call.
The ministry is also expected to launch a tangible panic button soon, which is targeting women deemed to be in high-risk situations. It will immediately alert both the ministry and the police once activated. Plans are also underway to add a silent alert feature to the iMatter app.
Another initiative is the Survivor Advocate Programme, where victims are assigned advocates who guide them through every stage of reporting and accessing services. Currently, there are 27 survivor advocates, with plans to increase the number nationwide.
It should also be noted that between 2021 and 2023, about 50% of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was trained in legislation, case management, and professional engagement under the COPSQUAD Initiative. Discussions are ongoing to integrate this training into the police academy curriculum.