– Manickchand
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand, in light of growing concerns over the number of women being killed and brutalised by their former or current partners recently, has said the focal point now is ensuring that the perpetrators do not escape justice.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that more emphasis needs to be placed on enforcing the Domestic Violence Act of 1996 as the problem has been around in society for a very long time.

“We have, however, seen an increase in deaths at the hands of spouses and partners, which may very well tell us that the perpetrators believe they can get away and, maybe, that is something we need to look at,” Manickchand said.

She acknowledged an increase in domestic violence reports and said it may very well mean that the awareness programmes, by both governmental and non-governmental organisations, are working.

According to her, more persons are aware that domestic violence is wrong and there is help and, as such, they should speak out against it.

Pointing to a series of measures taken by the Government to ensure that the issue is dealt with, Manickchand said Government has addressed it holistically.

She said the 1996 promulgation is a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides for many different kinds of orders, for protection, occupation, tenancy and custody and maintenance of spouses.

“It is arguably the best in the region,” Manickchand contended.

In the area of education, she said children are being taught about domestic violence and their rights but that programme needs to be expanded as well.

Manickchand recalled that legal aid services were expanded last year, so that women who were being beaten and had to flee their homes can receive assistance through the courts and actually use that law to get the help it offers.

She referred to shelters for women who wish to end abusive relationships and mentioned the Government funded Help and Shelter Centre.

Manickchand said help is also being offered such persons, financially and otherwise so they do not have to return to the homes they abandoned.

“So, I don’t think that we have been without success. I think we would be really doing ourselves a disservice as a country, as a people, if we say there were no successes.”

She agreed there is always more to be done but due acknowledgement must be given so that the country can move forward in this particular area.

Manickchand said statistics on domestic abuse must also be compiled and, in this regard, greater collaboration amongst hers and the Ministries of Health and Home Affairs is necessary, to gather data not only on the Government side but from the non-governmental perspective, as well.

She said there is more work to be done by the Police, with regards to the implementation of the law, to make it as effective as parliamentarians meant for it to be when it was passed.

Police Commissioner Henry Greene, at a recent conference, was critical of the attitude exhibited by some ranks when reports of abuse are received and admitted that the incidence needs to be treated more seriously.

Persons who report such occurrences must not be made to go from station to station and their complaints should be attended to where they are lodged, he said.