THE first National Conversation on Domestic Violence was inaugurated on Wednesday, at Zeelugt Primary School, East Bank Essequibo. Under the theme ‘It’s Our Problem…Let’s Solve It!’, the dialogue seeks to craft a National Action Plan to deal with what, according to Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, is a real issue.
Addressing the gathering, comprising mainly of females, he noted that males are also victims and emphasised that violence of any kind is totally unacceptable.
Minister Edghill observed that, despite the Domestic Violence Act, the problem has escalated and suggested that more may have to be done to curb the scourge.
He suggested that different strategies may have to be adopted if there is to be a marked reduction in the incidence.
Edghill pointed out that jail sentencing as a measure of punishment has not really put a brake on the incidents.
He said violence erupts in a home when there is conflict and posited that strengthening of the family is a critical step which must be pursued by all citizens.
Edghill admitted that managing conflict in the home is a huge task that requires skill, tact, good understanding and sound judgment and he challenged leaders of society to come on board and lend tangible support to what he termed a worthy cause and urgent task.