THE Ministry of Social Protection is a step closer to commissioning a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit to provide dedicated services to victims and persons at risk of such violence with a donation from the Canadian Government and people.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Pierre Giroux was at hand to present the Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence with equipment and office furniture valued at Canadian $20,000 for the Unit, which will be housed at the Ministry’s Water and Cornhill Streets complex.

The High Commissioner said that Canada has always been supportive of these causes locally and this time around is seeking to make a tangible contribution, which he noted will provide a dedicated space from which victims of sexual and domestic violence could access help.

The ministry said in a release that in expressing gratitude on behalf of the Ministry and intended beneficiaries, Minister Lawrence noted that this donation has enabled the Ministry to fast track the much-needed initiative. She further noted that a Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit will not only aid policy makers in their efforts to combat the scourges, but help to spread awareness about prevention and care to the wider population, including those living in the hinterland.

Through collaboration with the Canadians, the Ministry in December 2015 trained about 40 Amerindians in the provision of basic social services and to identify and report on social issues in their respective communities. Specifically, these persons will provide guidance on how to address sexual and gender-based violence.

The rationale is that persons are more likely to trust people from the communities with sensitive issues since they know the dialects, norms and culture. The resource persons are expected to continue the sensitization process, over time, targeting not only their respective communities but those in the wider region.