Advancing Partners and Communities
(APC) Guyana joins the global community in observing 16 Days of Activism against
gender-based violence (GBV) from 25 November to 10 December 2014. Gender-based violence is any form of violence against
a person because of their gender or gender identity.
According to the Guyana Police Force Criminal Record Office, almost
5000 cases of GBV were reported in 2009 and 2010. However, non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
report that most GBV cases are either not reported or accepted
by the authorities. What’s more, UN
agencies also report that women who are victims of GBV have up to three times
higher risk for HIV than those who are not.
The consequences of gender based violence are clear, and taking action to end it has never been more
needed.
In Guyana, Government has taken significant steps by passing the Domestic Violence Act in 1996, the Domestic Violence Policy in 2008 and the Sexual Offences Bill in May 2010, and recently a Domestic Violence Policy Unit was established within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. Services to address violence against women were also put in place— a crisis centre and shelter, training for the police, and raised the awareness of ministers, the judiciary, the magistracy and parliamentarians. And in May 2013, Parliament unanimously condemned all forms of interpersonal violence, and announced “That the members of the National Assembly commit to actively supporting existing programmes in Ministries, agencies and civil society bodies such as religious, women, youth and community organizations, that address violence and interpersonal violence in particular, such as, the Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence programme”
Despite their efforts, Government is struggling to address the fundamental question of how to bring about societal change to reduce gender-based violence. But there’s no easy answer. The challenge to change social customs to reduce violence and the spread of HIV infection remain central to building a healthy Guyana and need the support of our citizens, communities and development partners.
APC Guyana, with support from USAID, is working to strengthen NGOs and governmental agencies capacities to respond more effectively to gender-based violence as part of the HIV response. NGOs are supported with new tools and procedures for uncovering GBV and linking survivors with care and protection. They are also being supported to facilitate improved responses from law enforcement, justice, health and social service agencies.
Overall, the Government of Guyana and its developmental partners are committed to ending gender based violence. Less GBV makes it possible for everyone to have the the freedom to achieve new heights.
In Guyana, Government has taken significant steps by passing the Domestic Violence Act in 1996, the Domestic Violence Policy in 2008 and the Sexual Offences Bill in May 2010, and recently a Domestic Violence Policy Unit was established within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. Services to address violence against women were also put in place— a crisis centre and shelter, training for the police, and raised the awareness of ministers, the judiciary, the magistracy and parliamentarians. And in May 2013, Parliament unanimously condemned all forms of interpersonal violence, and announced “That the members of the National Assembly commit to actively supporting existing programmes in Ministries, agencies and civil society bodies such as religious, women, youth and community organizations, that address violence and interpersonal violence in particular, such as, the Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence programme”
Despite their efforts, Government is struggling to address the fundamental question of how to bring about societal change to reduce gender-based violence. But there’s no easy answer. The challenge to change social customs to reduce violence and the spread of HIV infection remain central to building a healthy Guyana and need the support of our citizens, communities and development partners.
APC Guyana, with support from USAID, is working to strengthen NGOs and governmental agencies capacities to respond more effectively to gender-based violence as part of the HIV response. NGOs are supported with new tools and procedures for uncovering GBV and linking survivors with care and protection. They are also being supported to facilitate improved responses from law enforcement, justice, health and social service agencies.
Overall, the Government of Guyana and its developmental partners are committed to ending gender based violence. Less GBV makes it possible for everyone to have the the freedom to achieve new heights.
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