Region 10 social workers benefit from training

on Domestic Violence Act (1996)

The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SODVPU) of the Ministry of Social Protection (MSP), with support from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), recently collaborated with the Judicial Services Commission and the

Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, of the Judicial Services Commission, speaking to social workers during the training 

Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) to conduct another round of training on the Domestic Violence Act (1996) for social workers in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The exercise, facilitated by Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry of the Judicial Services Commission, was held at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, Akilah Dorris, who was present at the training session, indicated that in recognising the magnitude of the domestic violence situation in Guyana and the need to intensify national action towards its eradication, the MSP, through the SODVPU, has planned to hold, throughout the months of May and June, a series of training sessions on the Domestic Violence Act (1996) and the Sexual Offences Act of 2010.

“The training is geared at providing social work practitioners and other key stakeholders with the requisite knowledge of the legislation, and the required interpretation for its successful application”, Dorris explained.

Participants in attendance were drawn from the Probation and Social Services Department and the Child Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Protection; the Guyana Police Force; Schools Welfare Department, Ministry of Education; Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (Linden Chapter); the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC); LM&TC, and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 (RDC 10).

Participants were briefed on topics which included the introduction to the Domestic Violence Act; its purpose; main provisions; offences within the Act; procedures; types of orders (protection, occupation, tenancy, interim); and the role of social workers.

During the discourse, participants were urged to uphold their duties and to network between the various agencies to which they are assigned in an effort to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual offences.

Another round of training is expected to be held in Region 6 on May 29. It will target professionals from both Regions 5 (Mahaica- Berbice) and 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne). The final round will be held at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown from May 31 to June 3. Professionals from Regions 1(Barima-Waini), 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) and 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are expected to benefit. (Utamu Belle)