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Proactive Disclosure
Addressing Gender-based Violence in Guyana
Addressing Gender-based Violence in Guyana
Results
The Way Forward: What Is To Be Done
For More Information
History
The origins of November 25 go back to 1960, when three sisters from the Dominican Republic were violently assassinated for their political activism. The sisters, known as the "Unforgettable Butterflies", became a symbol of the crisis of violence against women in Latin America.November 25 was chosen to commemorate their lives and promote global recognition of gender violence. This date has been observed worldwide since the 1980s.
Addressing Gender-based Violence in Guyana
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) supports numerous initiatives aimed at eliminating domestic violence and gender-based violence. In Guyana, the Caribbean Gender Equality Program took a 'cluster' approach that encouraged 10 key organizations to work in collaboration. This group of organizations included three national/local government agencies, including the Guyana Police Force, as well as seven non-governmental organizations. Together, the organizations established a network to foster an enabling environment to reduce domestic violence and strengthen the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act (DVA). The Act was passed in December 1996 to give legal protection to persons who have suffered abuse or are at risk of suffering domestic abuse.Lobbying, campaigning, training, media coverage, gender sensitization, and public education aimed at community workers, teachers, police, soldiers, regional administrators, and high school students, are only a few of the actions taken to advocate on behalf of this important issue.
Results
As a result of these actions, there is an increased level of public concern and a reduced tolerance for domestic violence. For example:- spearheaded by local partners, the legal consent age was raised from 13 years to 16 years on October 31, 2005, by a unanimous resolution of the Guyanese parliament;
- a significant increase in cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence is being reported to the police (2,395 cases in 2004 compared with 1,295 in 2003);
- training on the DVA is now a mandatory part of the training curriculum in the Guyana Police College;
- police stations have set aside space for interviewing persons reporting domestic violence; and
- the Commissioner of Police has pledged to establish a domestic violence unit within the Guyana Police Force to better implement law enforcement duties in this regard.
The Way Forward: What Is To Be Done
In spite of collaborative efforts and positive results, domestic violence and gender-based violence remains a severe and growing problem that impedes the sustainable development of Guyana. In 2005, some 30 women were murdered in domestic-related violence and other crimes. Transformation of gender relations and the culture of gender-based violence within the society is a long-term process. Significant action still needs to be taken.For more information
