Guyana’s Family Violence Bill No. 11 of 2024, which 1996 Domestic Violence Act, marks a significant legislative stride in addressing domestic violence, offering a more comprehensive framework to protect victims and prosecute offenders. While the new piece of legislation replaces the 1996 Domestic Violence Act, it also builds upon the previous Act. One of the most commendable aspects of the bill is its expansive definition of family violence. It includes not only physical abuse but also emotional, psychological, and economic abuse. This broader scope recognizes the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, acknowledging that harm can manifest in various non-physical forms. This shift is crucial for a holistic understanding and response to the issue, ensuring that victims of all types of abuse receive protection and support.
The bill introduces several robust legal protections for victims. Notably, it provides for emergency protection orders that can be issued quickly to offer immediate safety for those in danger. These orders can include provisions for the removal of the perpetrator from the home, temporary custody of children, and restrictions on the abuser’s access to the victim. Such measures are essential for offering rapid relief and preventing further harm.
Recognizing that legal protections alone are insufficient; the bill also mandates the establishment of support services for victims. This includes access to shelters, counseling, and legal aid. By institutionalizing these services, the bill ensures that victims have the necessary resources to rebuild their lives. This support is vital for breaking the cycle of violence and enabling survivors to achieve long-term safety and stability. Preventing family violence is a key priority of the bill, which emphasizes the need for public education and awareness campaigns. By fostering a societal understanding of the issue and promoting respectful relationships, the bill aims to address the root causes of domestic violence. This proactive approach is essential for creating a cultural shift towards zero tolerance for any form of family violence. While the bill is a progressive step, its implementation will be critical to its success.
Adequate funding and resources are necessary to ensure that the legal and support mechanisms are effective and accessible to all. Training for law enforcement and judiciary personnel is also essential to ensure that the provisions of the bill are enforced consistently and justly. Additionally, the societal stigma surrounding domestic violence remains a significant barrier. Continued efforts to challenge and change these cultural attitudes are required to support the bill’s objectives.
Guyana’s Family Violence Bill No. 11 of 2024 is a landmark piece of legislation that offers a comprehensive approach to addressing domestic violence. By expanding the definition of family violence, strengthening legal protections, enhancing support services, and focusing on prevention, the bill lays a solid foundation for tackling this pervasive issue.
In presenting the Bill to the National Assembly, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said: “Now under the one Family Violence Bill perpetrators could be locked up, they could be kept in custody and not merely restrained from going into a home. And this is a very important thing because this new bill has the significant achievement of having both criminal and civil remedies and that is underscored by the practical measures to reduce the movement that could occur when one wants to blend this kind of approach under one piece of legislation between the magistrate court and the high court.” The success of the Family Violence Bill No. 11 of 2024, will depend on effective implementation and continued efforts to change societal attitudes towards domestic violence.
