–Deputy Police Commander tells Berbice women in abusive relationships

IN an effort to foster good relations with residents of rural and depressed communities, the ‘B’ Division police continue to reach out to the village folks by meeting and listening to their concerns and implementing programmes that will benefit them.
On Tuesday, Deputy Commander and Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell led a team of officers, including the officer-in-charge of the No. One sub-division, Assistant Superintendent Guy Nurse, and Superintendent of Court Seseupaul Jhagroo, to the village of Plegt Anker which is located some eighteen miles from New Amsterdam, to hold discussions with residents of that community.In delivering opening remarks at the Plegt Anker

school, Mr. Mansell stated that the ‘B’ Division Police administration is exploring means that will better the lives of those who are ‘beyond reach’ and address their concerns to create room for trust and intelligence gathering.
He urged them to be vociferous against crimes such as the narcotic trade, the establishment of illegal liquor shops and spousal abuse, which is an issue of grave national concern.
The Deputy Commander urged the womenfolk and the neighbourhood in general not to condone any act of domestic violence. He reminded them that it is their duty to be ‘watch dogs’ of their community and report all forms of spousal transgressions so that the police can take action.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
While recounting a number of cases where domestic violence led to the death of women, Mansell said that perpetrators need help so as to curtail their violent tendencies and their actions must be reported, so that the relevant steps can be taken to assist them or deter such practices.
“Domestic violence is as big as a gun crime because one slap or punch can initiate murder. I say to those women who live in denial and often defend their abusive spouses…. you or your family will be sorry in the future,” he cautioned.
The Deputy Commander then explained that once incidents of domestic violence are not reported to the police, there is a likelihood of a recurrence. He added: “There is a cycle which domestic violence takes, the first stage of that cycle is the ‘honeymoon’ stage where the perpetrator ‘sweet talks’ the woman to calm her down after abusing her; then sometime after there is tension again where the violent behaviour is manifested; and finally there will be the grand explosion,” he informed.

PUT WHEELS ON YOUR HEELS
The Senior Superintendent pointed out that many women remain in abusive relationships because they have children to maintain and a need for financial resources and probably low self-esteem.
“Women, do not stay in abusive relationships! Put wheels on your heels and run! Lift your self-esteem, and engage yourself meaningfully and become independent!” he implored.
Assistant Superintendent Nurse also echoed the remarks made by his superior and reminded the gathering about the effects of domestic violence.
“It is a very serious issue that leads to a breakdown in communities and it has rippling effects where children often take an example from the perpetrators, which may not only be physical but also verbal,” he stated.
In the absence of the national police and a Community Policing Group (CPG) in the upper East Bank of Berbice district, the ‘B’ Division senior officers proposed the establishment of a group that will create a network with the Sisters Village Police Station (also on the East Bank) where ranks there will relate to the Divisional Headquarters in New Amsterdam, since domestic violence is becoming prevalent in that part of the country.

Last Thursday, 15-year-old student Tamesha La Toya Adams was knifed to death in Sisters Village by her spurned lover who later committed suicide. The ‘B’ Division police want to put and end to this ill practice through community support.

(By Michael Khan)