Georgetown: Despite the realization that there may be some flaws in the justice system as it relates to addressing the issue of domestic violence, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, has issued a ‘zero tolerance’ call against the social issue. In fact the Minister has called on all stakeholders including the relevant organizations, groups and individuals, to collaborate and “stamp out domestic violence” at its very core.”
The Minister was at the time addressing the gathering at a panel discussion on Monday at the Regency Suites/Hotel in commemoration of International Women’s Day that is being observed locally under the theme “Access to justice for Women.” The panel discussion saw a number of violence related case studies being presented by a number of presenters; among them: Ms. Rosemary Benjamin-Noble of the Rights of the Child Commission, Nurse Patricia Singh of the Indigenous Peoples Commission, Attorney-at-law Konyo Sandiford of the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution, Social Worker of the Women Progressive Organisation, Ms. Sheila Veersammy and Representative of the National Congress of Women, Ms. Evelyn Estwick.
Having presented their case studies which ranged from domestic violence and neglect on the part of health and police officials, representatives of the judiciary in the person of Justice Roxanne George, the Guyana Police Force, Superintendent of Police Maxine Graham; the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic’s Simone Morris-Ramlall and Karen Gomes of Help and Shelter were tasked with outlining measures to help address the existing violent situations. Their recommendations included the revamping of the jury system and extended to the importance of victims of violence being accompanied by a counselor or social worker when giving statements.
According to Minister Webster “the issues which affect our women and children is everyone’s business and we have a duty and a responsibility to protect them…especially those who are victims of abuse. Those who have suffered should not be denied access to justice and we have to support them in every possible way whether it be through counseling services or by ensuring that they are protected from further harm…”
As such the Minister noted that ongoing efforts are being made to educate stakeholders on the Domestic Violence Act and Regulations even as she noted that measures would be enacted shortly to reduce the time that such cases are heard by the judicial system.
However, in light of reports emanating from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution regarding a number of flaws with the new Sexual Offences Act, the Minister noted that there very well might be consideration for a review of the Act.
In the interim, she noted that the Human Services Ministry is currently considering the creation and establishment of a Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Unit to further support the Ministry in its quest to work in the national interest of the nation. This move, she said, is aimed at providing support mechanisms as it relates to these social issues that exist.
The Minister expressed her belief that, among the entities working to address the situation of violence, there is need for the National Commission on the Family to play a more vibrant role in the society to help address the issue of violence. This, she said, is essential because a number of the social issues are related to the family and “indeed we have to start from the family.”
She also stressed the need to establish family counseling centers throughout the length and breadth of the country; increased support for programmes to provide support to those women and children affected through the provision of more safe homes, especially for the victims of domestic violence. The Minister also spoke of the possibility of the creation of a Body where victims can report problems encountered regarding the police, the magistracy and the justice system as a whole.
The Minister noted that “while the resources we have at our disposable might not be adequate I am sure that if we work together to share ideas we can arrive at innovative ways to enable a process which will see the realization of a more efficient and enabling environment to facilitate improved access to justice for women.”
The Minister noted too that organizations such as Help and Shelter have already been doing a laudable job to support the victims of domestic violence, adding that “we should do everything possible to ensure social workers or counselors are present when victims are being interviewed; that in itself is very important. Many victims are often afraid to speak so we all have to be involved and work together to stamp out domestic violence,” the minister asserted.
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