Georgetown: Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams, yesterday, said although the Government has invested significantly in relief measures for domestic violence victims, a coordinated approach is needed to effectively tackle this scourge.
The Minister made these statements at the United Bridge Builders Mission Incorporated’s (UBBM) Purple Angel Walk and Rally, which is expected to be held annually to raise awareness about the effects that domestic violence and suicide have on children.
Minister Hastings-Williams joined more than 100 UBBM members, concerned citizens, and stakeholders in the walkathon from the Parliament Buildings on Brickdam, to the Square of the Revolution where a rally was held.
In her address at the rally, the State Minister emphasized that domestic violence is a social problem which requires a concerted effort between the Government, NGOs and members of civil society to effectively tackle same.
She also pointed out that because of the challenges associated with tackling domestic violence, the Government alone cannot eradicate this scourge, but rather, it will take a concerted approach by all stakeholders.
“In Guyana, domestic violence is widespread, found throughout all the regions of Guyana. Widespread not only along [ethnic] and religious lines, but along socio-economic lines as well. As a Government, we thank those organizations who collaborate with us to tackle this issue, which affects all Guyanese. It means a lot to me personally and on behalf of the Government of Guyana, we do care and we value every life,” she said.
The Minister noted too that the establishment of the $250M Children and Family Care Centre, which was commissioned by President David Granger in September, and the Family Court, which opened in June 2016, underscores Government’s commitment to ensuring that options are available to at-risk children and families affected by gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, UBBM founder, Ms. Bonita Montague, urged other organizations and Government entities to become more involved in the fight against this scourge. She emphasized that Guyanese children are the ones who suffer the most as a result of gender-based violence.
“I am concerned about the impact of gender-based violence… people hardly ever focus on the children. Many children suffer in the aftermath. Let’s walk. Let’s talk. Let’s sing. Let’s dance. Let’s send the message… What we do it’s not for the favour, it’s for impact. We do it because we care,” she said.
Ms. Montague also said the organization remains committed to the cause of eradicating domestic violence and she used the opportunity to urge victims to speak out, and the perpetrators to seek help.
Additionally, International Organization for Migration (IOM) representative, Mr. Oliver Profit said that while these issues are not unique to Guyana, the organization remains committed to collaborative to bring about change.
“We [IOM] stand ready to work with all local organizations who are doing fine work in trying to combat these issues locally,” he said.
UBBM has a wide range of programmes. These include crisis response and therapeutic support for domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, anti-bullying and women empowerment. A youth-diversion component focuses on youth empowerment through remedial classes
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