MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has issued a strong call for greater accountability, faster responses and closer collaboration among agencies dealing with child sexual abuse and rape, stressing that weaknesses within the system must be addressed to protect victims and secure justice better.
According to a press release, Minister Persaud made the call on Wednesday while delivering the keynote remarks at the opening of a Child Sexual Abuse Workshop hosted by the Ministry’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU) at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre.
The workshop brings together police officers, medical practitioners, child protection and probation officers, lawyers, school counsellors and other key professionals involved in responding to cases of sexual violence.
“Child sexual abuse is a crime. It has always been a crime,” Minister Persaud declared, noting that while Guyana has recorded progress, sexual violence remains a serious concern.
She disclosed that 209 rape cases were recorded in 2025, while 85 were recorded between January and June 2026, marking a significant reduction.
“It is my fervent wish that we continue to see not only the reduction, but the complete eradication of rape cases in Guyana.”
The minister said more must be done to strengthen every stage of the response process, particularly reporting, investigations, medical examinations, evidence collection and prosecution.
“We have to fix the weak links in the chain. And I say it unapologetically because we cannot be good unless everybody is doing their job to the best of their abilities.”
Minister Persaud called for rape kits to be readily available in every region, more medical personnel to be trained to conduct examinations, and case reports to be completed clearly and promptly.
“There should be no delay in dealing with child matters when it relates to abuse. None.”
She also pointed to the strengthening of support systems, including Child Advocacy Centres in every region, the 24-hour 914 hotline, the iMatter app and Hope and Justice Centres, which provide access to several services for survivors.
She urged participants to use the workshop to identify gaps, strengthen communication and improve the collective response to sexual violence.
“We can have the best legislation and the best policy, but if we do not have that collective, collaborative, robust approach to cases of child sexual abuse, we will continue to see the numbers climb,” the minister pointed out.
Minister Persaud said the ultimate objective remains clear: to eradicate child sexual abuse and rape and create safer environments where victims can confidently access protection, support and justice.