GDF hosts 1-day seminar for ranks on GBV and Family Violence Act

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reaffirmed its commitment to tackling gender-based and domestic violence by hosting a one-day training session on the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Family Violence Act.
The programme was conducted by the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
More than 200 ranks from units across the Force participated, reflecting the GDF’s continued effort to promote awareness, vigilance, and protection within its ranks and the wider national community.
Lieutenant Commander Shennel Europe welcomed the training team and participants, along with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.
In her remarks, Minister Persaud urged ranks to remain vigilant within their communities and to promptly report any instances of gender-based violence or sexual offences, emphasising the military’s vital role in safeguarding vulnerable citizens.
The Minister’s delegation, Dr Cona Husbands, Jemacy Phillips, Kwame Gilhuys, Andre Jagdanan, and Akisia Williams, led sessions on the Family Violence Act, reporting procedures, warning signs, and the range of support services available to victims and survivors.
A lively question-and-answer segment followed, during which ranks sought clarification and explored real-life scenarios to strengthen their understanding of the issues.
The initiative forms part of the national observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with the GDF continuing to serve as a key partner in advancing prevention, education, and advocacy across Guyana.