VIOLENCE against women and children in Guyana are at an alarmingly high rate. Headlines of violence against women and children constantly dominate the news. Another woman is in hospital fighting for her life after being stabbed by her ex-husband. As alarming as the rate may seem, not all cases are reported. This begs the question; how many more? And when will this end? There seems also, to be a great incapacity on the part of the police to effectively look into these, as what is lacking is the necessary training.
Sexual offences are especially barbaric and heinous, and those that it has been inflicted on are permanently scarred by it. Today it seems as if our society is plagued by sexual predators, who disregard the need and right of individuals to be free from any and all forms of sexual violation.
According to the Sexual Offences Act 2010, a sexual offence is any sexual violation on an individual that includes rape, and any other form of sexual assault, such as touching or causing the complainant to touch a third party in a sexual way.
The Sexual Offences Act 2010, passed by the National Assembly on April 22, 2010 is an important piece of legislation that provides great insight into the rights of individuals, particularly women and children, to be free from sexual molestation and abuse, and the rights of the victims of sexual violations. According to this Act, sexual offences will be treated seriously and every effort will be made to bring those guilty to justice. This Bill is significant, because it also condemns the rape or sexual molestation of males as illegal.
The Sexual Offences Act 2010 was enacted, placing special emphasis on women and children, who are most vulnerable, and are usually the most likely victims of sexual abuse. With this bill, all offences that are in violation of the law are clearly spelt out, as well as the penalties for such crimes.