ACCORDING to statistical data coming from the Centre for Disease Control internationally, more women than men have experienced domestic violence.

About 1 in 4 women and 1in10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

However, Manager of the Gender Affairs Bureau in Guyana, during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, made it clear that the Ministry of Social Protection, via the Gender Affairs Bureau, is designing programmes targeting both genders which would see a possible reduction in the number of domestic violence cases.

“The truth of the matter is that we cannot address domestic violence, if we don’t address men’s issues.” Lilly told Chronicle.

He contended that there is need to address the issue of a man’s masculinity and the socialisation of our boys which contribute to the way males treat females.

“We don’t teach them (boys) to handle civil conflict; we will continue to see the issue of domestic violence”, the Gender Affairs Bureau Manager said.

The issue of absentee fathers and lack of positive role models for our boys are also contributory factors in domestic violence.

He firmly believes that reports of domestic violence by men should be dealt with in the same serious manner as reports from women.

The Ministry of Social Protection is addressing the issue of Police Behaviour, regarding domestic acts being perpetrated against both genders.

The Ministry has designed a programme targeting men called “Men against Violence” to deal with the issue of domestic violence.

This programme is designed to target men who are victims of domestic violence as well as men who are victims of violence.

The intention of this programme is to create a space where men can freely express themselves.

A public media campaign is also planned to address domestic violence issues. Persons involved in sport and many communities are expected to benefit from the programme.