Human Services and Social Security Ministry launches P.A.T.R.O.L

– vital step towards enhancing police response to family violence

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Sexual Offences & Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU) has launched its Police Advanced Training & Readiness for Operational Leverage (P.A.T.R.O.L.) initiative, a crucial step towards enhancing police response to family violence in Guyana.
In its press release, the Ministry noted that the inaugural training session, held on Wednesday, February 19, saw 26 officers (9 females, 17 males) from the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Division 4 ‘A’ participate in an intensive programme focused on critical aspects of family violence intervention.
The training covered key areas including the newly enacted Family Violence Act 2024, the specific roles of law enforcement in addressing these cases, and the vital importance of collaboration between the SO&DVPU and the Childcare & Protection Agency (CPA).
This initiative, the release stated, underscores the Ministry’s commitment to improving service delivery and support for victims of family violence.
By equipping police officers with the necessary knowledge and skills, P.A.T.R.O.L. aims to ensure that victims receive timely and effective assistance.
The P.A.T.R.O.L. initiative represents a significant investment in the capacity of the police force to address family violence effectively. Through this training, the officers will be better equipped to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
The P.A.T.R.O.L. initiative is part of an ongoing sensitisation programme that will culminate in a series of community walk-throughs in identified high-risk areas. These walk-throughs will serve to raise awareness about family violence and the resources available to victims, while also fostering stronger relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security remains dedicated to working collaboratively with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other stakeholders to create a safer and more supportive environment for all members of the community.