Over 330 men file domestic violence reports so far this year – Dr Persaud

…says women account for 80% of reported cases; 100 partner-related deaths recorded since 2020

For the first time in Guyana’s history, an increasingly high number of men have come forward to report cases of domestic violence, according to Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, who related that thus far, over 330 men have filed such reports.

During a recent episode of The Starting Point Podcast, Dr Vindhya Persaud revealed that more men are stepping forward as victims of abuse. She also emphasised that while women still account for 80 per cent of reported cases, the number of male reports has been steadily increasing.
“What we need to realise when we look at the figures is that men are also affected. 80 per cent of the reports are made by women, but men are slowly increasing in number. This year, 333 men have made reports – more than in any other year.”
The Minister also addressed the misconception that domestic violence programmes only cater to women, clarifying that all of the Ministry’s initiatives are gender-neutral. However, she acknowledged that some men feel that support systems are not designed with them in mind.
“The missing part of this entire thing is that our programmes are gender-neutral, but men tend to think that when we respond, it doesn’t really move in their direction. So, we did several things to respond to the needs of men.”
Among these efforts, Dr Persaud highlighted the Bridging the Gap policy, which focuses specifically on male engagement and support. From this policy emerged several key initiatives, including the BRAVE Centres and the Partnership and Relationship Assessment Programme.
In fact, the first BRAVE Centre was launched in Region Three in 2025, aimed at promoting prevention, awareness, and intervention rather than labelling or stereotyping men.
“We’re not labelling men, because not all men are perpetrators; these centres focus on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation. If a person has already been charged, then those cases are handled separately by the Probation Department.”
Dr Persaud further disclosed that, over the past five years, 96 persons have lost their lives to partner-related violence. However, she noted that recent data indicates a decline in such cases.
Despite nearly 100 partner-related deaths recorded since 2020, she reported a decrease over the past two years. According to her, 12 partner-related deaths were recorded last year, with the same number already reported so far this year.
“Ninety-six persons lost their lives. And in the last two years, we have seen a decrease in the number of cases where it was partner-related. We had 12 cases last year, and we have 12 cases to date. Prior to that, in 2020, we had 19 cases. In 2021, there were 18 cases. In 2022 and 2023, we had between 20 and 23 cases,” she explained.
The Minister noted that during the COVID-19 period, much like child abuse, there was an upsurge in domestic and family violence cases. However, while the overall numbers have since declined, a disturbing trend has emerged.
“What is of concern to me now – and it’s something we are investigating and trying to analyse – is the phenomenon where partners kill the women and then commit suicide.”
Meanwhile, Dr Persaud reflected on the deep emotional toll such cases take on survivors and their families. She recalled the case of one woman who was brutally murdered despite multiple prior reports of abuse.
“I remember sitting with the relatives of a lady who was stabbed 32 times. And I asked them what happened there, and you get responses like ‘She wanted to protect the partner.’ We made several reports, but she kept going back to say, ‘Don’t press further,’” she recalled.
The Minister stressed that victim-blaming has no place in addressing gender-based or family violence but acknowledged the social and emotional barriers that make it difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships.
“I don’t believe in victim-blaming at all, but that is the reality we deal with. We could have put in all the work, but when it goes to the point of prosecution, from the time it hits the court, there is resistance in many cases. People don’t want to move further,” Dr Persaud said.
She added that social stigma, financial dependency, and family pressure often force victims to remain in abusive situations.