UG holds candlelight vigil for domestic violence victims

The University of Guyana on Thursday evening hosted a candlelight vigil for domestic abuse victims as the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign ended.

During brief remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud stressed the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to curb the occurrences of violence.

“Education has to be strategically targeted to fill the gaps in not only in this ministry but other ministries as well…Together we can, together we must and we must start with saying #enoughwiththeviolence,” she said.

Dr. Persaud appealed to the public to end the stigma against gender-based violence and urged victims to speak up.

The University’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed expressed satisfaction that the tertiary institution was able to commemorate the 16 days of activism. She noted that people need to be continuously educated on the signs of domestic abuse and how they could access or offer help.

The University committed to doing all it can through research, programmes, community engagements and collaborations with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to raise awareness and educate on gender-based violence.

UG has a 24-hour hotline, UG Cares, which is manned by students and is accessible to those seeking help. The Ministry earlier Thursday launched the 914 emergency hotline number which will be accessible to domestic violence victims toll free.