– Task force to roll out National Plan for sexual offences prevention
THE first meeting of the National Task Force for the prevention of Sexual Violence was held yesterday in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour, Upper Brickdam, Georgetown.

In accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2010, the Task Force will set out to develop and coordinate the implementation of a National Plan for the Prevention of Sexual Offences.

This plan is expected to initiate programmes both in the medium to long term. These programmes will provide for comprehensive and extensive interventions at all levels of society with the ultimate objective of bringing about behavior change.

It is also expected that focus will be placed on these priority areas through the establishment of programmes for law enforcement agencies, the health sector, religious community, parents/guardians, communities, non-governmental organizations, victims, as well as offenders.

The Task Force comprises the Ministers of Human Services and Social Security, Legal Affairs, Home Affairs, Amerindian Affairs, Education, Health, Local Government, and Youth Sport and Culture.

Senior public officers with responsibility for law enforcement, health, and human and social services, and representatives from non-governmental organizations such as Red Thread, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Help and Shelter, among others, will also sit on the Task Force, according to a statement from Tagman, an independent  public relations and advertising agency.

The National Task Force is expected to produce an annual report updating data and statistics, reporting on the implementation of the Act, National Plan and National policy Guidelines, and other prevention activities.