MINISTER of Social Protection, Amna Ally, on Friday donated a food hamper to a domestic violence survivor as part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable groups.
Red Thread’s spokesperson and survivor of Domestic Violence, Natasha Houston, who is currently pregnant, had suffered tremendous physical abuse at the hands of her now-deceased husband.

The hamper, made up of food and baby supplies was well received by the woman who expressed profound gratitude for the timely donations from the Ministry of Social Protection. “I am thankful for everything so far and I am hoping for the best through my delivery and that everything come through safe. I want to thank her [Minister Ally] and her staff for everything,” Houston said.

Houston’s abusive husband went berserk and attacked her and their two children in August 2013. She was severely injured and lost her right arm, while the children did not survive the assault. However, the woman said she is delighted by the support she has received over the years from the Ministry of Social Protection and other organisations.

Ally said the Ministry of Social Protection, along with its strategic partners, is committed to implementing legislation and policies relevant to the prevention and response to domestic violence. Over the years the ministry has raised awareness throughout Guyana on domestic violence within the 10 administrative regions and provides survivor’s support services which include psycho-social services and trauma counselling among others.