Another Guyanese woman has lost her life at the hands of her partner, bringing again the focus on domestic violence and its clutch on society. The most recent victim is 21-year-old mother of two Vanessa Benjamin, who was attacked and stabbed to death by her partner at Ithaca Village, West Bank Berbice. Another recent incident was committed in Region One (Barima-Waini), where a woman allegedly stabbed her abusive partner to death after he had threated to burn her while choking her. From reports in the media, this woman had endured suffering at the hands of her abusive partner for years before her apparent spur-of-the-moment reaction. She has since been charged for manslaughter. There are two other instances, in Linden and Bartica respectively, where two women were killed at the hands of the men they once loved.
More specifically, over time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyana media. Many women were brutally killed, in some instances.
Unfortunately, this continues despite awareness efforts. There is also the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse in regard to the lodging of complaints. There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem appears much larger than reflected in the news, as many cases go unreported. This speaks to the reality being underestimated.
Many reasons have been advanced for what can deter an abused victim from seeking intervention of the law. Among them are: aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the absence of confidence in law enforcement, precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue, in some instances.
One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask if the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging. While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.
Certainly, violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and nations, and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another.
Numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming. The magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults. Those ghastly images, especially when life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.
When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that they are erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding to better shape lives. The entire spectrum of what constitutes counselling therefore then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervention mechanisms, not just for cases of domestic violence, but for other scenarios.
While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for all to know the extent of what is available and offered. While expectations would be for what obtains in the developed nations; realistically, there must be something tangible, in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.
This is not, in any way, suggesting that there isn’t an effective mechanism. Again, we press the need for more stringent measures to be taken to help save women’s lives; since many of them continue to suffer and die at the hands of their spouses. While Government must take the lead in helping to bring about change, everyone: civil society, faith-based organisations, Police, judiciary, must do what is required of them. Everyone needs to be more proactive in their response to this scourge.
