– plans a series of activities to tackle domestic violence

THE Herstelling Assembly of God Global Outreach Centre, in observance of its 50th Anniversary, has joined the national efforts to bring an end to domestic violence.
Under the banner “An action against domestic violence”, the church will participate in a series of activities from October 19-21 geared at raising awareness against the scourge.
According to a release, the church will kick start the observance on October 19 with a prayer meeting for victims and survivors of domestic violence. That meeting will start at 19:00 hrs. This will be followed by a street march the next day starting at the church’s location at 14:00 hrs.

On October 21, Dr. Michelle Shiwnandan will speak on Developing Family Values at 09:00 hrs and on October 22, Attorney Kavorn Williams will deliver a presentation titled ‘Domestic Violence: The Problem, The Law and You’ at 19:00 hrs.

Pastor of the church Dr. Ravindra Shiwnandan, believes that there is an important place for the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to set the parameters for nations to measure their degree of freedom from domestic violence. He agrees with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon who said, “Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to continue,”.

Dr. Shiwnandan, therefore, encourages everyone to continue to embrace national policies to stamp out sexual violence against men, women and children, and trafficking in persons. He also believes that it is the responsibility of every citizen, every church and every NGO, despite their philosophy or political affiliation, to work with the leaders of Guyana to protect victims and survivors of this scourge.

However, there is much more to be done to create a society where people can live free from domestic and gender-based violence. Dr. Shiwnandan said the real obstacle to the elimination of domestic violence is not external or legislative, but it is a deep-seated lack of genuine love for ourselves and fellow humans.