Domestic violence has always been a pressing issue in Guyana. The latest of many incidents occurred on Monday at Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) where 24-year-old Nikesha Sutton was stabbed to death by her partner.
This occurred even as the country is seeking to curb the issue of gender-based violence. Only on Tuesday, the Hope and Justice Center, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara received a 128 devices donation for data management. These devices according to Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud will assist the ‘Spotlight Initiative’ which seeks to eliminate violence against women and girls.
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 behavior (The WHO Multi country study on Women’s health and domestic violence against women. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2007).
The findings of a United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) report released some time ago, 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 hinterland communities, 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 is 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 Human Service Ministry has recognised that members of the community are usually the first responders to many social issues in their communities.
Some years ago, a 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 had embarked on training partners which include members of the Guyana Police Force.
The unit had moved to equipping individuals within communities with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools so that they can respond to domestic violence. Thus, they were empowered to take ownership and more importantly, they see the benefits of taking a stand against all forms of violence.
Another step in the right direction is the fact that the Guyana has recognised that the work of eradicating all forms of violence, particularly domestic violence 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 is domestic violence.
It is important to acknowledge that women are not the only victims of domestic violence; men, children, persons living with disabilities, and the elderly, can also become victims. The rich, as well as the poor, can become victims. In fact, domestic violence does not 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 Human Services and Social Security Ministry is definitely a step in the right direction and additional funding and support will always be needed to widen the reach of the ministry.
