Department of Public Information, Guyana

Tag: Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Policy Unit

  • Amid stay-home policy | MoSP shares safeguard measures for domestic violence victims

    Amid stay-home policy | MoSP shares safeguard measures for domestic violence victims

    DPI, Guyana, Thursday, April 9, 2020.

    The Ministry of Social Protection is urging domestic abuse victims to adopt several measures to safeguard themselves during the COVID-19 stay home policy.

    They include contacting the helpline or telephone counselling service, maintaining social contact online or over the phone, and sticking to daily routines.

    MS.-Akeila-Doris
    Manager of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, within the Ministry of Social Protection, Akeila Doris

    Manager of the ministry’s Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, Akilah Dorris says it is normal for victims to feel isolated from their family, friends, and coworkers when confined to their home. She adds that the COVID-19 measures may also cause uncertainty and be overwhelming for many who face abuse.

    Dorris is encouraging victims to be mindful of their health and wellness. In case of an emergency, they should contact the nearest police station, or seek immediate medical attention from their local health facility if injured.

    If unable to do so, the victim should alert a neighbour, friend, family or co-worker who may be nearby.

    Dorris says that it is essential that victims create a personalised safety plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after they leave.

    She adds that they could receive help to create a safety plan through the Unit’s 24-hour helpline (640-1011).

    “In cases of limited shelter availability due to COVID-19, victims should consider alternatives such as staying with family or friends or staying in motels. Victims should be extra mindful of good hygiene practices if they’re leaving as well, and adhering to universal precautions such as washing hands regularly, avoid touching face, minimising contact with surfaces that other people have had contact with,” she said.

    The Unit has collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund and the WHO/PAHO to compile the document which they are using in the domestic violence response measures to the COVID-19 epidemic.

  • MoSP tackling domestic abuse during COVID-19 pandemic

    MoSP tackling domestic abuse during COVID-19 pandemic

    DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, April 7, 2020

    A helpline and safe space have been set up for victims of domestic violence as Guyanese join the rest of the world in sheltering at home to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The measures were put in place by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.

    MS.-Akeila-Doris
    Manager of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, within the Ministry of Social Protection, Akilah Dorris

    Unit Manager Akilah Dorris told DPI that persons can call the 24-hour helpline at 640-1011 for assistance.

    The safe shelter can accommodate victims and their children under the age of 14 years. The facility has a full kitchen and pantry, dining room, living room, playroom, recreation room, internet access, bathrooms and laundry room.

    Counselling services are provided and the Unit is also working with the police.

    “Globally, one in three women experience violence at the hands of a partner, former partner or relative at some point in their life. Guyanese women experience IPV (intimate partner violence) at significantly higher rates than the global average of 1 in 3 women,” Dorris explained.

    She pointed out that there has been a notable spike in cases of domestic or household violence due to increased tensions in the household, as already shown by data on China, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    “During quarantine or self-isolation, women and girls may be at higher risk of violence due to coexistence with their batterers. Tension can grow as a result of self-isolation, close persons becoming infected, job and income uncertainty and stress. This can lead perpetrators to resort to violence as self-isolation reinforces their control mechanisms,” Dorris stated.

    Women, she said, bear the brunt of increased care-work during this pandemic. School closures further worsen this burden and places more stress on women. The disruption of livelihoods and their ability to earn a living – especially for those women who are informal wage workers – will decrease access to basic needs and services.

    This situation increases stress on families with the potential to intensify conflict and violence. As resources become scarcer, women may also be at a higher risk of experiencing economic abuse.

    On April 5, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres called on governments around the world to implement measures to protect the safety of women, girls, and children.

    Referring to his repeated calls for a “ceasefire in conflicts around the world,” Guterres said, “Peace is not just the absence of war. Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes.”