‘Don’t be afraid to report’: Police urge abuse victims to seek help

Victims of domestic abuse in Guyana are being urged not to stay silent or fear retaliation, as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to strengthen support mechanisms for those seeking protection under the Family Violence Act of 2024.
During an episode of Police and You, Superintendent Shellon Daniels said that victims no longer have to appear in person at a police station to make a report, as calls can now be made through the domestic violence hotline—914—or directly to any police station. “You don’t have to go in person to make the report,” Daniels explained. “It is encouraged that you make the report. You could call any police station.” She noted that reporting abuse is the first crucial step toward obtaining a protection order and breaking the cycle of violence. Victims can start the process through a phone call, after which the police are required to respond and assist with the necessary steps.

However, Daniels acknowledged that some victims hesitate to report out of fear that the perpetrator might find out before they can complete the process. She encouraged them not to be deterred, reassuring them that while the police must confront the accused, the goal is protection—not exposure.
“Once a report is made to the police station, there is a process,” she explained. “Automatically, the perpetrator will be made aware… but that should not deter you because at the end of the day, you make the report—the police must confront the perpetrator and deal with the matter as the law mandates.”
Public Relations (PR) Officer Stan Gouviea agreed that awareness is key, noting that many victims are unaware of their right to seek immediate assistance and legal protection. Daniels reminded viewers that the police can also file for protection orders on a victim’s behalf, provided they give consent. “A police officer under the Family Violence Act… has the authority to assist you in applying for the protection order, provided that you give them consent,” she said. The Superintendent also advised victims to keep in touch with police officers handling their case and to ensure that any issued order is properly served and lodged at the nearest station. “Having applied and successfully issued with this order, be it a temporary or interim order, it is your duty to take it to the closest station,” Daniels emphasised. Her message to the public was that help is available, and no one should suffer abuse in silence. “Make the report,” she said. “Once you recognise that you have been abused one way or the other, take action. The police are there to help you.”