Cops trained on importance of support to domestic violence victims

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry, through the Hope and Justice Centre, on Friday held a comprehensive training session with the administrative staff of Regional Police Division 4’C’ (East Coast Demerara).
The session aimed to enlighten supervisory ranks about the critical functions, procedures, and roles of the Hope and Justice Centre and Domestic Violence Advocates in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The Hope and Justice Centre offers a wide range of services including counselling, legal assistance, social worker support, and management of a 24/7 domestic violence and gender-based violence hotline (914). Additionally, they provide support for child abuse cases, issue protection orders, and create safe spaces for victims.
During the training, police personnel were educated on the importance of these services and encouraged to utilise them effectively to support community well-being. Commander of the Division, Khali Pareshram, expressed a strong commitment to future collaborations, emphasising the value of community outreaches and additional training for all ranks within the region.
Key attendees included Assistant Commissioner Pareshram, Senior Superintendent Kingston, Superintendent Halley-Smith, and prominent figures from the Hope and Justice Centre such as Survivors Advocate Thenga Adams, Osmin Bayley, Quincy Wong, Marlyn Omar, and Legal Assistant Allizen Critchlow (Guyana Police Force).
This initiative underscores a significant step towards reinforcing the support system for victims of domestic violence, ensuring that law enforcement personnel are well-equipped to handle such sensitive cases with the utmost care and professionalism.