Region 3 records highest domestic violence cases so far for 2024

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), has recorded the highest number of reported domestic violence cases so far this year, according to the latest statistics released by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.
Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud on Monday during the commissioning of the Vergenoegen Hope and Justice Centre explained that the alarming figures highlight an urgent need for enhanced interventions and community engagement to combat this growing crisis.

“This is a thoughtful institution; I say that because we are all very concerned of the spate of violent acts leading to feminicide and killing of women that continue to exist in our country. To give you an idea of what is happening, we see cases of domestic violence numbering 11 from January to September 2024. 11 of those cases will add a total of 28 cases where we have feminicides at 4 and the remainder as interpersonal violent type cases.”
“When we looked at the disaggregation of those numbers and when we looked at where these things we happening your region topped the list. We must ensure that your region is never on the list,” the minister said.
Dr Persaud also revealed that for 2024 so far, the violence-based 914 toll-free hotline has received some 6000 reports, all of which were addressed appropriately.
Of the 6000 cases, 182 were related to domestic violence and 292 were related to child abuse cases.
Persaud explained that with technology advancing efforts are currently being made to launch a WhatsApp feature, where persons will be able to file
“At the end of this function I want to see more reports coming in. When we see reports we shouldn’t be alarmed because it means that people have confidence in what you’re doing to support them. It also brings home the gravity of the situation as it exists but the point, I want to make is that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Human Services, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs we are all combining to target this,” she added.
Meanwhile, world leaders and civil society representatives came together on Monday in New York (United States of America) to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. The gathering served as a moment of reflection and a call to action to address the pervasive violation of human rights that affects millions of women and girls worldwide.
In her address to those gathered, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed emphasized that there are victims of domestic abuse represent more than just statistics—they are real lives impacted by fear, trauma, and societal stigma.
“Nearly one-third of women globally experience violence at home, in the workplace, online, and in politics,” a key speaker noted. “Every day, 140 women and girls are killed by members of their own families, making the home the most dangerous place for millions… It is my personal conviction that the safe house we often take victims to should actually be her home, while the perpetrator is the one removed,” they asserted.
Despite the grim realities, progress was celebrated. Over the last five years, significant advances have been made, including the implementation of nearly 550 laws and policies addressing violence against women and girls. Initiatives like the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative have proven that change is possible.
This program alone has delivered essential services to three million women and engaged eight million young people in gender equality programs, showcasing that collective action yields measurable results.
However, the Deputy Secretary-General stressed that these efforts are insufficient in scale, noting that investments in prevention are still fall far short of addressing the root causes of violence.
“It is not only a grave violation of human rights; it is a fundamental barrier to human progress,” the she declared, linking the issue to broader crises like conflict, climate change, and economic instability.
On this point, she called for an increase in funding for prevention and support systems, highlighting the need to change social norms that perpetuate violence and ensure legal protection for all women and girls.
“As threats to the rights and safety of women and girls grow, multilateral collaboration is needed more than ever,” they said. “Let us strive for a world where dignity and safety are guaranteed for all, not as a privilege but as a fundamental right.”
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls serves as a rallying cry for humanity to stand united against this global scourge, reaffirming the commitment to protect and uplift women and girls everywhere.