FOLLOWING the brutal attack and rape of a Venezuelan woman a few weeks ago, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has moved to tweak the operations of the ‘914’ emergency hotlines to ensure that it is able to accommodate calls from persons who do not speak English, and address issues affecting them.
To begin with, the ministry will be moving to hire Spanish-speaking operators. This is according to subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud during a recent engagement with the Department of Public Information (DPI). The minister’s efforts were triggered by the recent brutality meted out to the Venezuelan woman who was attacked and raped.

“Because we are now conscious of the needs of migrants… we are going to work to recruit at least two operators who can speak Spanish or Portuguese, so that we can extend these services to those persons who need it,” Dr. Persaud indicated. She reminded her audience that the ‘914’ hotline was designed to provide services for all persons suffering from various forms of violence, abuse and other tragedies that may require the ministry’s intervention.
When the ‘914’ hotline was launched in December, Minister Persaud had committed to ensuring that the services are continuously adjusted to cater to whatever needs may arise in the future.

In addition to executing effective rescue missions, the ‘914’ operation would also be linked to the ministry’s Survivor’s Advocacy Programme, which will see abuse survivors benefitting from the guidance and support of advocates for as long as needed.
“They will have somebody who will hold their hand and walk with them throughout, until the conclusion,” Minister Persaud had previously explained. She said in December that while “nothing is perfect”, the Human Services Ministry is determined to ensure the continuous review and strengthening of its programmes, especially the hotline initiative.

She maintained that every case of violence that happens is a “learnt behaviour” for Generation Next, while emphasising the need for parents to raise their children to become advocates against violence and injustices.
Through that programme, victims of abuse will also be able to access psychosocial support and counselling.
“Then there are women who are living in habitually abusive situations: They may have children; they may not have the financial wherewithal. They may not have skills, so then comes the programme where we are working to equip women with technical, vocational skills training, and even functional literacy. These women can access this by calling ‘914’,” Minister Persaud said in her recent interview.