Ministry of Social Protection conducts workshop on Domestic Violence at Bartica

The Ministry of Social Protection’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit held a two-day workshop on Domestic Violence with persons representing various departments and agencies at Bartica, last Monday and Tuesday, at the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council.

Among the topics explored, were detailed introductions to the Domestic Violence Act (1996) and the Sexual Offences Act (2010), their purposes and main provisions; a case study analysis on Responding to Interpersonal Violence; Responding to Sexual Violence Cases; Challenges Faced in Serving the Needs of Victims, among other topics.

The visiting team was led by Deputy Director of Social Services, Abike Benjamin-Samuels, whose opening speech was centred around the harmful effects of Gender-based Violence and Abuse of children, their education and their social attachments. She also alluded to the role of the authorities in the fight against domestic abuse.

“In 2018, the Guyana Police Force recorded 1,492 domestic violence-related cases. Of this, 839 charges were laid against the perpetrators, 9 persons were warned, 47 matters were referred to the Probation and Social Services Department, and 588 matters were incomplete. Therefore, concerns remain regarding the number of unresolved domestic violence matters at police stations. This is unacceptable.”

The opening of the workshop saw the participation of several regional officials among others, including Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford; Regional Executive Officer, Kerwin Ward, and Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels.

Facilitator of the workshop, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer attached to Bartica, Orlene Sumner-Foster, revealed that the forum was organized with the aim to disseminate information about abuse and domestic violence, and to bring awareness of the services of the Probation and Social Services Department within the region. She said that the department also processes and issues senior citizens pensions and social assistance.

Certificates of Participation were issued to those who attended the forum.

The visiting team also paid a courtesy call at the sitting of the Statutory Meeting of the Regional Democratic Council of Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region, where several issues affecting residents of the interior villages of the region were highlighted.