Gender-based violence (GBV) training, awareness extended to technical institutes

In its bid to bring awareness to gender-based violence (GBV), the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through its Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU), conducted another sensitisation exercise across the country on Friday.
In a press release, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security noted that, this time, the exercise was conducted at the technical and vocational institutes in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10. These included Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute, Government Technical Institute, Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre, Bartica Secondary School, and Linden Technical Institute.
The sessions were aimed at educating students on the definition and various forms of GBV, its negative impacts, and strategies for prevention and intervention.

Crucially, students were informed about the Sexual Offences Act of 2010, which criminalises sexual acts and emphasises consent; and the newly-enacted Family Violence Act of 2024, which provides broader protection in domestic violence cases, including for family members, and empowers law enforcement with powers of arrest.
Participants also learned how to access vital resources, including the 914 Hotline, CPA Hotline, the iMatter app, the Survivors’ Advocate Programme, and direct reporting mechanisms at Ministry locations. Dr. Cona Husbands, manager of the SO&DVPU, explained that these sessions are part of the ministry’s ongoing commitment to GBV awareness within educational settings.
Recognising that the prevalence of sexual offences and family violence is affecting students, the ministry has expanded its outreach from secondary schools to include technical and vocational institutes.

“This is an extension of our campaign to reach as many people as possible,” Dr. Husbands stated. “We also want to raise awareness about the new Family Violence Act, so everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.”
Delphine Bakker, Chief Instructor at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in noting that GBV awareness empowers students to seek help and support when needed, and that both the physical and psychological impacts of violence are addressed.
“Not everyone is aware of gender-based violence. We know that violence on a whole can affect persons, not only physically, but also mentally. So, this information that is being shared today with the students will help them to be empowered and get the help that they may need,” Bakker has said.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security remains dedicated to fostering safe and respectful learning environments for all students, and continues to educate young people about their rights to prevent exploitation and abuse.