Confronting domestic violence with urgency & resolve

Domestic violence continues to exact a devastating toll on families and communities across Guyana. Recent events have once again underscored the barbarity and human cost of this scourge, demanding more than statements of sympathy and condemnation. The killing of Teekadai Atiya Solomon at the hands of her partner, who also turned a weapon on their child, is not an isolated act of violence but a grim reflection of a systemic crisis that remains deeply embedded within society.
The stark reality is that domestic violence has become both a national emergency and a profound societal failure. Despite years of advocacy, legal reforms, and community initiatives, countless women remain trapped in cycles of abuse, with their children often left as both witnesses and victims. When homes, the very spaces meant to be safe havens, become sites of terror, the collective conscience of the nation must respond with both urgency and determination.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent remarks reflect an acknowledgement that measures already in place are no longer sufficient. By describing domestic violence as “barbaric” and “medieval”, the Vice President has correctly identified the magnitude of the crisis. His pledge to pursue a dual approach, strengthening legislation while also reshaping societal values through civic education, signals recognition that laws alone cannot eradicate entrenched behaviours. Without cultural transformation, the cycle will continue.
The commitment to engage civil society, non-Governmental organisations, and religious leaders is particularly significant. Domestic violence is not a matter confined to the private sphere; it is a community issue, a national issue, and ultimately a moral issue. Any strategy must therefore be inclusive, drawing on the influence of trusted local institutions to promote prevention, support survivors, and challenge destructive norms. Partnerships of this kind, however, must be adequately resourced, systematically co-ordinated, and consistently monitored to ensure real impact rather than symbolic gestures.
At the same time, legislative frameworks must move beyond deterrence to encompass comprehensive protection. Stronger laws must be matched with accessible and effective enforcement mechanisms. Too often, survivors report that restraining orders, police interventions, and court rulings provide little tangible safety. Without proper enforcement, legal remedies risk becoming hollow promises. Specialised training for law enforcement officers, dedicated support services for survivors, and swift judicial processes must therefore be integral components of any reform agenda.
Equally important is the role of education. Introducing civic programmes that teach values of equality, respect, and non-violence from a young age represents an investment in long-term cultural change. Such programmes can begin to dismantle the harmful stereotypes and toxic masculinity that underpin many abusive behaviours. Change at the societal level will not occur overnight, but the foundations can only be laid by starting early.
The words of President Dr Irfaan Ali further highlighted the profound social consequences of domestic violence. His reminder that “when families break, society bleeds” captures the broader implications of these tragedies. The loss is not only borne by individuals and their immediate relatives; it reverberates across communities and weakens the moral and social fabric of the nation. In this sense, domestic violence is not simply a private or personal matter; it is a matter of public concern and national security.
The brutal murder of Teekadai Solomon and the trauma inflicted on her young son should serve as a turning point. This tragedy must galvanise leaders, institutions, and citizens alike to treat domestic violence with the same seriousness accorded to other national crises. Expressions of outrage, though important, must now translate into concrete, sustained, and measurable action.
Ending domestic violence requires confronting deeply ingrained attitudes, strengthening the capacity of institutions, and ensuring survivors are empowered. It requires moving beyond reactive responses to preventive measures that instil respect, compassion, and equality as non-negotiable values. Above all, it demands that the sanctity of human dignity and the right to live free from fear are upheld as fundamental principles of a humane society.