MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has called for a unified global approach to confront violence against women and girls, warning that technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), has created new forms of abuse.
The minister raised the issue on Thursday while addressing a United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting on violence against women and girls.
Dr Persaud, in her statement, said: “Even as nationally we create a comprehensive system to address persistent age-old abuses, the digital revolution has birthed a new frontier of cruelty. From AI-generated deepfake exploitation to relentless tech-facilitated stalking, digital violence follows survivors across every border and into every screen.”
The minister noted that Guyana has developed an integrated, coordinated and accessible ecosystem of support for survivors and continues to dismantle structural barriers through a comprehensive roadmap to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.
She also highlighted existing reporting and safety channels, including the 24-hour toll-free hotline and the free iMatter mobile application.
Dr Persaud pointed to the app’s real-time chat function, which was designed to better support victims of gender-based violence (GBV). The feature allows users to communicate directly with trained officers, legal professionals and counsellors through a secure and confidential messaging platform.
The chat function is especially critical for individuals who may be unable to place a phone call due to safety concerns or the presence of an abuser. In such situations, messaging offers a discreet and potentially lifesaving alternative to speaking out loud, the ministry said.
Through the chat feature, individuals can request assistance, seek legal guidance or access emotional support services.
Additionally, the system allows ministry personnel to engage with individuals already within the support network, enabling follow-up and case management.
Minister Persaud further stated that Guyana’s integrated support system includes the Hope and Justice Centres, where survivors can make police reports, access medical care, receive psychosocial support, obtain free legal assistance and access safe shelter.
She also pointed to the enactment of progressive legislation and policies to address violence against women and girls, including the Family Violence Act (2024), which expands the definition of violence and strengthens protections for survivors.
“Our legal architecture improves access through specialised courts,” she said.
The minister added that the engagement of men is also critical to prevention efforts. She noted that Guyana has established special spaces for men through the Bridging the Gap policy, which challenges harmful beliefs that normalise violence and promotes the participation of men in prevention, accountability, healing and mentorship aimed at fostering positive behaviours.
Additionally, she highlighted the development of a community advocate network to encourage reporting, strengthen community support systems and enhance data collection, alongside ongoing public awareness initiatives.
However, Dr Persaud warned that despite these efforts, violence against women and girls remains a global challenge.
“Even as we do all of this, women and girls continue to be killed. Our collective response requires unified AI governance and the unwavering enforcement of laws that treat the safety of women and girls as non-negotiable,” she said.
She added: “We must therefore not tire in our efforts that will lead us closer to a safer world for our women and girls. No more female lights must be extinguished as our world becomes darker each time.”
