By Svetlana Marshall

MALE victims of domestic violence, in Bartica Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), are often taken lightly in their attempt to seek protection, the Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee Mary Jones said in a recent interview with Guyana Chronicle.

According to Jones, ranks at the Bartica Police Station have a “negative” attitude when dealing with cases of domestic violence in general, but the situation worsens when treating with men.
The Commander of ‘F’ Division, Ravindradat Budhram, who is stationed at the Bartica location, is however refuting this allegation.
Jones said if a man walks into the station to file a complaint against his spouse, it is often taken as a “big joke” with the police more than often siding with the female.
“The male reported to the station that he is in an abusive situation… the wife brings another man in the house, and the police is saying to him, the owner of the house, that he got to move out of that house and find somewhere else to live,” the Head of the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee explained as she alluded to a case known to her.
Alluding to another case, Jones said a woman, who has been living in an abusive relationship, had turned to the station for help, but instead met a group of officers who displayed a negative attitude towards her.
“She went to the station the day before and made a report, but said she wouldn’t return because of the manner in which she was treated. The next day the man [her husband] locked her up in a bedroom and threated to kill her with a cutlass…. She came to me and I took her to the station commander and he immediately caused her to be satisfied, the matter is now in the court,” she explained.
Commander Budhram, in refuting the allegations levelled against the Bartica police, said the force has “zero tolerance” for domestic violence. According him, when cases are brought to the attention of the Bartica Police Station, they are taken seriously, pointing out that perpetrators are often charged and placed before the court.
He disclosed that for 2016, 10 cases of domestic violence were filed, with seven persons being arrested and charged. These matters are currently before the court. One of the cases was referred to a probation officer for the couple to undergo counselling.
Commander Budhram said his division is working closely with religious organisations within the district and the Welfare Department to raise awareness on domestic violence and suicide.
Today, the team will visit the last of six schools targeted in Bartica. These include the Bartica Secondary School, St Anthony Primary School, Three Miles Secondary and Two Miles Primary School.