The Government of Guyana, in its consistent pursuit to fortify societal harmony, is in the progressive stages of formulating a robust bill and innovative policies. These developments are envisioned to address violence more comprehensively and play a pivotal role in mitigating its prevalence in society.
This vital disclosure was made by the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, on a recent appearance on ‘The Guyana Dialogue’. Minister Persaud illuminated the significant strides being made to replace the existing Domestic Violence Act with a more encompassing Family Violence Act, pending its approval by the Parliament.
“This ministry is responsible for gender-based violence, the original piece of legislation, the one that we have now is the domestic violence act. We are working to have this act replaced by the family violence bill,” remarked Minister Persaud. She elaborated that the imminent Act is anticipated to broaden the scope of assessment of family members, transcending the limitations of the current Act which predominantly addresses personal and spousal violence. The proposed legislation aims to encapsulate relations within an extended family, offering a more holistic approach to addressing familial violence.
Concurrently, the government is manifesting its commitment through the establishment of two new Hope and Justice Centres located in Regions Three and Four. Minister Persaud conveyed that the centre in Region Four is on the brink of completion, emphasizing its role as a unified hub offering multifaceted services including reporting, counselling, legal services, and medical services, all aimed at bolstering support to the affected individuals.
“These centers are where someone can go to one place and have access to all the services right there. That is one of our responses to them and their support to them,” she stated. Plans are underway to inaugurate additional centres in Regions One and Seven, epitomizing a collaborative endeavor with the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
To amplify the measures against violence, especially targeting women and girls, the Ministry has initiated several groundbreaking policies like the spotlight initiative. Minister Persaud affirmed that the government, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, is unwavering in its resolve to formulate more policies addressing the escalating levels of violence pervading homes, schools, and the society at large.
Among the innovative initiatives is the 24-hour 941 hotline, a crucial facility dedicated to receiving reports of domestic violence and ensuing prompt action. Additionally, the survivor advocate programme and the COP SQUAD initiative stand as testament to the government’s holistic approach in tackling domestic violence, ensuring that victims receive direct aid and police officers are adeptly trained to respond effectively to domestic violence reports.
These strategic developments underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to foster a society where peace prevails, and violence is effectively mitigated. Through these comprehensive policies and the impending legislation, the government is ensuring a proactive and consolidated approach to addressing various forms of violence, thereby safeguarding the wellbeing and harmony of the society.