CIVIL society and other stakeholder groups have intensified efforts to tackle the scourge of domestic violence, particularly as the attendant consequences affect children involved, as per the recent spate of domestic violence.PPP/C party member and Parliamentarian, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, told reporters yesterday that innocent children are the ones made to face the brunt of the consequences of domestic violence.

She said: “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has noted with a grave sense of sadness the unfortunate and continuous loss of lives resulting from domestic issues, following the most recent spate last week. These incidents not only culminate in severe grief, but result in broken homes and related trauma brought to bear on surviving family members.”

Dr Persaud said the incidents of domestic violence are “seemingly unabated”, despite the wealth of educational material available and support that is easily accessible through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and non-governmental organisations.

“While those who continue to advocate for a domestic violence-free environment must be commended, the party believes that clearly there is much more work to be done in this regard,” she said.

Dr Persaud urged civil society, religious organisations, community groups, village leaders, and whoever is in a position to assist to intensify their efforts at educating on the dire consequences of domestic abuse, and the vital need for amicable resolutions to those circumstances. “The party believes that this is crucial in complementing the national effort to stamp out domestic abuse…Those responsible for law enforcement are also urged to remain responsive, and not to take for granted any call for assistance.”

CHALLENGE

Dr Persaud acknowledged the dilemma brought on by fear of repercussions victims face in advancing prosecution of domestic violence perpetrators. Those repercussions can be meted out either by the abuser or by family members and the extended society. Nevertheless, she made it clear that there is support for those affected by domestic violence, and those persons must be empowered in this knowledge.

She pointed to the recent introduction of the Cop and Faith Community Network (CFCN) and those involved in the system. The Home Affairs Ministry recently launched CFCN, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the clergy and the faith-based community in Guyana, to bring peace within communities seeking to eliminate minor offences such as cruelty to animals, domestic violence, threatening behaviour, and threatening language of persons; and damage to property and other offences. The programme was rolled out in 10 selected communities located in Regions Four and Six: Sophia, Agricola/McDoom, Plaisance, Buxton/Friendship, Kilcoy/Chesney, Fyrish/Overwinning/Glasgow, Edinburgh, Angoy’s Avenue, Port Mourant and Rose Hall Town.

Dr Persaud said that support from the network extends to the point where the victim can be accompanied to court to facilitate prosecution proceedings.

“Change takes time,” she acknowledged, but stressed that firm action is one way to address this complex problem that has claimed the lives of 23 women this year.

Dr Persaud added that even before the situation escalates to the level of the courtroom, mediation support is also made available.
She lauded the efforts of religious groups, particularly since those efforts place communities in a better position to act, given that the programme is community-based and shares closer ties to families affected by domestic violence.

She said: “Those who feel trapped in situations of domestic abuse must endeavour to acquire the strength to access the services to empower them(selves) and to bring the perpetrators to face the law. It is the party’s fervent wish that, with the combination of the efforts of all, our society can be free of domestic abuse, thereby reducing the related societal ills which can pose challenges to the country’s continuous development.”

On behalf of the ruling party, Dr Persaud expressed deepest condolences to those who suffered the loss of a loved one during the regrettable incidents of domestic violence.
Written By Vanessa Narine