By Romella Dasratt

EVERY society reflects the condition of its homes. Long before a child understands politics, economics or social policy, they learn from the people around them. They learn how to communicate, how to express emotions, what love looks like, what respect feels like, and what relationships should become. When families thrive, communities thrive. When families struggle, the effects ripple across generations.

This is the understanding that sits at the heart of ShieldHER Guyana, an emerging organisation founded on a belief that protecting women and children remains essential, but lasting change also comes from addressing the emotional and psychological challenges that often contribute to violence in the first place.

“ShieldHER Guyana was created from a recognition that domestic violence is not simply a women’s issue or a men’s issue; it is a family and community issue,” explained founder Dr Yusuf Abdullah.

For Dr Abdullah, the vision for ShieldHER emerged from witnessing the far-reaching effects of violence on women, children, families and communities throughout Guyana. While much attention is rightly placed on supporting victims, he saw an opportunity to broaden the conversation and address the deeper issues that often fuel destructive behaviour.

“We believed there was a need for an organisation that could protect survivors while also addressing the underlying issues that contribute to violence.”

The organisation’s guiding principle is captured in its motto: Protecting Her, Supporting Him, Strengthening Us.

At first glance, the phrase may seem unusual, yet it reflects a growing body of psychological research suggesting that healthy families are built not only through protection and accountability, but also through healing, education, emotional awareness, and prevention.

For decades, domestic violence initiatives around the world have focused primarily on crisis response. These efforts remain critically important. Women and children facing abuse require immediate protection, safety, legal support, healthcare and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Dr Abdullah is clear on this point.

“Our mission is to protect women from violence, injustice and abuse while ensuring access to justice, healthcare, empowerment opportunities and support services,” he said.

However, ShieldHER also recognises that sustainable change requires looking beyond the immediate crisis. Modern psychology has increasingly demonstrated that human behaviour is shaped by experiences, environments, relationships and learned patterns. Researchers studying adverse childhood experiences have found strong connections between exposure to violence, unresolved trauma, chronic stress, substance misuse and difficulties with emotional regulation later in life.

In simple terms, people often teach what they have learned and repeat what they have experienced.

This understanding does not remove personal responsibility. Rather, it provides valuable insight into how cycles of violence develop and how they can be interrupted.

Dr Abdullah believes this is one of the most important conversations society can have.

“Lasting solutions require the involvement of men,” he said. “While perpetrators must always be held accountable for their actions, prevention requires us to understand and address the factors that contribute to violence before harm occurs.”

His perspective reflects a reality that many mental health professionals have observed for years.

Men are often raised with powerful expectations regarding strength, success, emotional control and responsibility. Many are encouraged to suppress vulnerability while carrying immense personal and societal pressures.

Dr Abdullah describes this challenge with remarkable honesty.

“A man is often raised to find purpose in providing, protecting and leading his family,” he explained. “Yet many lose that sense of worth through unemployment, poverty, depression, addiction, childhood trauma, relationship breakdown, social isolation, financial hardship, public humiliation, lack of positive role models and untreated mental health struggles.”

He paused before offering a powerful metaphor.

“Like a tree stripped of its roots, some men eventually crumble under pressures nobody sees.”

That image captures a truth increasingly supported by research. Studies on men’s mental health have shown that emotional suppression often contributes to anxiety, depression, substance misuse, relationship difficulties and increased psychological distress. Many men are taught how to appear strong but receive little guidance on processing grief, disappointment, fear or emotional pain in healthy ways.

ShieldHER seeks to address this gap through counselling, mentorship, rehabilitation programmes, conflict-resolution training and opportunities for emotional development.

By helping men develop healthier coping mechanisms and stronger emotional awareness, the organisation hopes to strengthen families while reducing the likelihood of future violence.

“By engaging men in constructive dialogue, mentorship, counselling and rehabilitation programmes, we can help build healthier relationships and reduce the risk of violence,” he said. “Supporting men does not diminish support for women; rather, it strengthens prevention efforts and helps create safer homes for everyone.”

At the same time, ShieldHER remains deeply committed to supporting survivors.

Dr Abdullah explained that many women and children who seek help often face numerous challenges simultaneously.

“These may include physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial dependence, social isolation, fear of retaliation, lack of safe housing and concerns about the well-being of their children.”

Children, in particular, often carry invisible wounds that can shape their development long after a specific incident has ended.

“Children who witness violence often experience anxiety, behavioural problems, poor school performance and emotional distress,” he explained. “Even when they are not directly abused, exposure to violence can have long-lasting effects.”

Developmental psychologists have long recognised the importance of early childhood experiences. Children learn emotional regulation, conflict resolution, communication styles and relationship expectations through observation. Positive role models, supportive environments and healthy family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping future wellbeing.

This understanding forms the foundation for another key aspect of ShieldHER’s work: breaking intergenerational cycles of violence.

“Breaking the cycle requires intervention at multiple levels,” Dr Abdullah said. “For children, we emphasise early support, counselling referrals, positive role models and education on healthy relationships. We believe children should grow up understanding respect, empathy, non-violent communication and mutual responsibility.”

The organisation also emphasises collaboration. Families do not exist in isolation, and meaningful change requires support from multiple sectors of society.

“We also engage parents, community leaders, healthcare professionals and educators because protecting children cannot be accomplished by one organisation alone,” Dr Abdullah noted.

As ShieldHER continues to develop, encouraging signs are already emerging.

“One of the most encouraging outcomes is seeing individuals regain hope and confidence after experiencing difficult circumstances,” he said.

Beyond direct support services, the organisation has observed increasing public conversations around mental health, domestic violence prevention and family wellbeing.

For Dr Abdullah, these conversations represent an important step forward.

“Success is not measured only by crisis intervention; it is also measured by prevention, education, healing and the positive changes that occur when individuals choose healthier paths for themselves and their families.”

Ultimately, ShieldHER’s vision extends far beyond responding to violence. It seeks to help create a culture where emotional wellness, healthy relationships, responsible fatherhood, personal accountability and mutual respect become the norm rather than the exception.

“Our vision is a Guyana where women are safe, empowered and respected, where men are supported to become responsible partners and fathers, and where children grow up in homes free from violence and fear,” Dr Abdullah said.

He believes achieving that vision requires a broader understanding of domestic violence, one that recognises both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

“Protecting women and children must remain a national priority, but sustainable solutions also require addressing the emotional, psychological, social and economic factors that contribute to violence. We must move beyond reacting to abuse and work together to prevent it.”

Perhaps that is the true message behind ShieldHER: a healthy society begins with healthy families. A child who grows up surrounded by respect learns respect; a child who witnesses empathy learns empathy; a family supported through challenge becomes stronger; a community that values healing creates lasting change; and when protection, accountability, compassion and prevention work together, the result extends far beyond individual lives. It strengthens families, it strengthens communities, and ultimately, it strengthens a nation.