16-day activism begins with interfaith service
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand yesterday pledged Government’s support in making domestic violence obsolete while warning Guyanese against complacency during violence-free periods.

The minister was speaking at a Prayer Service in observance of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women at the Ministry’s Water and Cornhill Streets Office.

The service began with the recital of the National Anthem and was interspersed with prayers by representatives of the main religious bodies.

Minister Manickchand said any complacency in dealing with domestic violence will only jeopardise the lives and limbs of countless women and children.

She disclosed that Government has provided Help and Shelter with $8M as funding for the shelter of abused women this year.

However, Manickchand noted that Guyana has progressed from the days when grandmothers accepted abuse without complaint and as the norm.

“We have come to the point where we can now classify abuse as sexual, physical, emotional and psychological violence…in very specific terms,” the Human Services Minister said.

She paid tribute to social workers and other service providers who work tirelessly without fanfare and recognition to transform the lives of battered women.

Minister Manickchand explained that government has, through the Domestic Violence Act, provided various remedies including custody, tenancy, occupation, protection and maintenance orders for all forms of abuse.

The Ministry of Human Services has made good on a promise to allow social workers to accompany victims to court and even prosecute the offenders.

Legal Aid Services have been expanded to Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 and several policies drafted to assist victims of violence.

Minister Manickchand underscored several challenges, including the slow implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, which she said has worked against victims.

She expressed alarm at magistrates who financially penalise women when they indicate an interest in withdrawing charges against their partners.

The minister described it as counterproductive to impose fines on such women, adding that the magistracy must be sensitive to local realities.

“We also face the challenge of dealing with service providers who misunderstand their roles and contribute to the frustration of victims of abuse.”

Minister Manickchand added that victims themselves are also responsible when they refuse to make a report.

It was on this note that the minister stressed the need for a holistic approach towards eradicating domestic violence.

She challenged those present to work together in ensuring that domestic violence is soon spoken of in past tense.

During brief remarks, Director of Social Services at the ministry, Ms. Geetanjali Geer stated that violence can impede women’s opportunity to achieve legal, social, political and economic equality.

Geer highlighted one case where a woman who had just given birth was not only the victim of abuse but was prevented from seeking medical attention.

“We must continue to work so that women in our country and the world can lead violence-free lives and then be able to truly realise their potential.”

Assistant Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Patrice La Fleur, in her remarks said that women and girls are exposed to domestic violence, exploitation, trafficking and other horrendous crimes.

She implored the crowd to demand an end to the most pervasive and least reported human rights abuse in the world.

La Fleur commended the network of men, headed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, who have joined the campaign to end violence against women and girls.

She suggested that men and boys be continuously engaged to garner their opinions on control and domination while promoting conflict resolution and anger management.

In her message to mark the observance, Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau Hymawattie Lagan said that violence against women is a universal problem of epidemic proportions.

She mentioned that it is perhaps the most pervasive human rights violation today which devastates lives, fractures communities, and stalls development.

Lagan warned that denial, on every level is one of the greatest obstacles to eradicating violence within the family.

“For us, the challenge is great, we need to break the cycle of violence, and it is our responsibility. We have a number of legislations, but we have to do more beginning now. All of us, both males and females, must join forces and be willing as partners to eliminate violence in our society. We have to find new and creative ways.”

She added that there must be continued expressions of outrage that women worldwide, in spite of status, are still subject to rape and violence.

In 1999, Member States within the United Nations agreed that November 25 should be set aside to raise public awareness of the problem of violence against women.

The day was observed under the theme, “Commit, Act, Think: We can end Violence against Women.”