Domestic violence has always been a pressing issue in Guyana. It was recently announced that the Social Protection Ministry will be embarking on a community-based development programme to encourage victims of domestic violence to speak out. This new programme would empower victims to overcome their fear about speaking out against abuse. Programmes such as this are commendable and will undoubtedly go a long way towards addressing the issue, which has historically been a taboo subject.
The issue of domestic violence is a global one, reaching across national boundaries as well as socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distinctions. This problem is not only widely dispersed geographically, but its incidence is also extensive, making it a typical and accepted behaviour (The WHO Multicountry Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Against Women. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2007).
The findings of a United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) report released last year, revealed that in Guyana, domestic violence is widely accepted in local communities and that the highest level of acceptance of wife beating occurs in the indigenous community, where one in every four adults believe that it is justifiable to hit the woman.
A combination of social norms and social and cultural practices have been identified as the main factors that influence violence against women in this country. In many communities across Guyana, incidents of domestic violence continue to be “nobody’s business” and are too often the excuse of “justified punishment” or “discipline” is used to excuse the act itself.
Notwithstanding the other exiting factors that contribute to the perpetuation of domestic violence, communities need to understand that the effects of domestic violence are widespread; it is not just physical – but emotional, mental, and financial as well. The Sexual and Domestic Violence Unit has recognised that members of the community are usually the first responders to many social issues in their communities.
In 2016, the National Task Force for Domestic Violence was launched after which several protocols for medical practitioners, Police Officers and prosecutors, among others, were signed; the Task Force was needed since there were no mechanisms in place for partners to follow guidelines on how to respond to victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Unit will also embark on training partners which include members of the Guyana Police Force.
The Unit is now moving towards equipping individuals within communities with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools so that they can respond to domestic violence. They will be empowered to take ownership and more importantly, they will see the benefits of taking a stand against all forms of violence.
Another step in the right direction is the fact that the authorities have recognised that the work of eradicating all forms of violence, particularly domestic and sexual violence, must be done in collaborative way, with the involvement of all stakeholders.
And with the advent of social media, more persons are willing to talk about it, and become outraged over how prevalent domestic violence is. Survivors are now believed, rather than treated as if nothing had happened.
It is important to acknowledge that women are not the only victims of domestic violence; men, children, the disabled, and the elderly, can also become victims. The rich, as well as the poor, can become victims. In fact, domestic violence doesn’t distinguish between victims. Nor does it distinguish between perpetrators.
It is time for society to focus on changing cultural norms and attitudes that promote the acceptance of and even encourage domestic violence, which undermine the victims’ enjoyment of their full human rights and freedoms.
The issues therefore should be aired openly, not tucked away in hushed tones as if it never happens. Ending domestic violence will not happen overnight, but the Social Protection Ministry’s programme is definitely a step in the right direction and additional funding and support will always be needed to widen the reach and to encourage persons to see the benefits of speaking out.
