Survivors of domestic violence empowered with $300,000 grants

Ten survivors of domestic violence were each awarded $300,000 in business grants to help them achieve financial stability, as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to strengthen its support for vulnerable populations.

The grants were distributed on Monday under the Support for Safety Net Programme, a collaborative initiative between the government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The beneficiaries form part of a wider cohort of 54 women who have been supported through the Ministry’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.

At a ceremony held at the Umana Yana, Minister Vindhya Persaud, along with IDB Country Representative Lorena Salazar and Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada Daniel Bood, presented the grants to the recipients.

The initiative forms part of a broader national effort to address domestic violence not only as a social issue but as an economic challenge by equipping survivors with capital to start or expand small businesses.

Beneficiaries are being positioned to create sustainable income streams, contribute to local economic activity, and potentially generate employment within their communities. This shift from vulnerability to productivity represents a critical step in breaking cycles of abuse.

By investing in their potential, the government is sending a message that survivors are not defined by their experiences but empowered by the opportunities.