The Human Services and Social Security Ministry is preparing to roll out two key interventions in 2025, designed to help individuals recognise and escape unhealthy relationships before they spiral into tragedy. These initiatives, announced by Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud at a recent public consultation at the Umana Yana, mark a welcome and strategic shift in how we tackle gender-based violence and relationship toxicity in Guyana.
The upcoming programs — the “CUT” and “PARA” initiatives — are not just acronyms; they represent a lifeline. In a society where silence often surrounds abuse, where red flags are either ignored or misunderstood, and where support is difficult to access, these programs aim to empower individuals with the tools to identify unhealthy dynamics and seek help before it’s too late. The CUT initiative will teach individuals how to discern the signs of a toxic relationship, understand when a connection is no longer serving their well-being, and, importantly, know that it is not only okay but necessary to walk away.
This is an act of empowerment. And it is timely.
While the PARA initiative will also engage with partner dynamics, the overarching message is clear: our approach to domestic violence prevention must be proactive, not reactive. We can no longer afford to intervene only after scars — whether emotional or physical — have already formed.
Equally significant is the expanded focus on working with men and boys, a necessary and long-overdue move in the fight against domestic violence. The launch of the “Brave Circle”, a program targeting potential perpetrators, is a commendable and courageous step. Rehabilitation, re-education, and prevention must go hand-in-hand. The reality is that domestic violence does not exist in a vacuum. It is often rooted in cycles of unaddressed trauma, cultural norms, and learned behaviors. The Brave Circle is about intervening before violence becomes an option, about showing men another path — one rooted in empathy, respect, and self-awareness.
The statistics speak volumes: 94% of reported survivors are women, and 6% are men. This figure, while seemingly small on the surface, reflects deep, systemic silencing — both for victims and perpetrators. Dr. Persaud’s push to challenge negative male identity and redefine masculinity through targeted interventions signals a mature and balanced approach to social healing.
In the backdrop of these developments, it is also heartening to see deliberate efforts being made to improve access to social services in the hinterland and remote regions — historically underserved areas where issues like domestic abuse and relationship dysfunction often go unreported and untreated. The Ministry’s collaboration with the University of Guyana to train paraprofessionals from these communities creates employment opportunities and bridges a critical service delivery gap. The use of mobile units in regions like Region One (Barima-Waini) further underscores a commitment to decentralising care and bringing services to the people who need them most.
But programs alone cannot carry this burden.
As Dr. Persaud rightly noted, social media influencers and media platforms have a role to play. Continued visibility and honest dialogue are crucial. Shame and secrecy must be replaced with compassion and courage. Survivors must know they are not alone. Perpetrators must know that help — and accountability — are available. The public must be educated and empowered to speak up, step in, and support.
The numbers reinforce the impact of this multi-pronged approach. From 2022 to 2024, over 4,300 cases were directly intervened in by the Ministry, with nearly 3,400 involving support for the criminal justice system. These are not just figures — they represent lives touched, families saved, and communities beginning to heal.
There is still much work to be done. But if we are to meaningfully reduce domestic violence, improve mental health outcomes, and create healthier relationships, we must support and expand these efforts.
