TODAY, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SODVPU) will be hosting ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’, an awareness, support, and empowerment initiative, at the Stabroek Market Square from 13:00hrs.
The Unit’s head, Dr. Cona Husbands said that the aim is to promote healthy relationships, and raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence, as well as to encourage individuals to seek help and support if they are experiencing abuse.
She said the campaign speaks to everyone, and helps men and women learn about respectful and healthy relationships and shared responsibility, and to ascertain how the ministry can help to support victims of abuse through their services, which include Legal Aid, shelter, and counselling among others.
“We also have other departments talking about childcare issues, disability support services, and other ministry services, and we have cool prizes to be won,” Dr. Husbands said.
The ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’ campaign is open to teens, and young adults are encouraged to attend to learn about healthy relationships, boundaries, and where to get help if needed.
“Teens,” she said, “are a very vulnerable group as it relates to gender-based violence and sexual abuse.”
Dr. Husbands mentioned that support will be offered through on-site guidance, informational materials, and referrals. Alongside this, Social Workers will be on site to answer any questions and queries persons may have, as well as to offer support to persons who may be affected by abuse. This includes both adults and children.
Since this is a sensitisation and awareness campaign, staff from the various departments in the ministry will be speaking with members of the public on their services.
The departments participating in the awareness campaign include Family Enhancement Support Services, Disability Support Services, Gender Affairs Bureau, and the Childcare and Protection Agency.
The SODVPU head underscored that this initiative would continue in other regions.
“The SODVPU is currently facilitating our Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign in 45 primary schools across Guyana where we are talking about healthy relationships in schools and bullying. The ministry will be also conducting activities in Regions One, Three, Four, Seven, Nine and Ten. The Hope and Justice Centres will be hosting a movie night showcasing healthy relationships on February 13 (today),” Dr. Husbands said.
Additionally, a Love Shouldn’t Hurt Webinar on how the Family Violence Act can protect you with the Ministry’s Legal Pro Bono Team will be launched on Valentines Day.
She pointed out that persons can look forward to several similar awareness and outreach initiatives from the ministry, including School Sensitisation Programmes which will be targeting primary and secondary students on topics such as boundaries, online safety, bullying, and reporting mechanisms; BRAVE- Men and Boys Engagement Forums, where conversations encouraging positive masculinity, accountability, and the role of men in ending violence will be had; community outreach on gender-based violence where the ministry will be taking services directly into communities to provide information, referrals, and on-the-spot guidance; Workplace Awareness Sessions on Sexual Harassment and Abuse which will focus on training staff in public and private sectors on recognising and responding to sexual harassment and abuse; and Empowerment Workshops for Women and Girls at the ministry’s Hope and Justice Centers – Building confidence, self-worth, and life skills trainings.
“These initiatives are part of the unit’s ongoing effort to ensure that awareness, prevention, and support services reach communities consistently throughout the year,” Dr. Husbands affirmed.
