Sexual Assault Awareness Month Symposium opened at the Duke Lodge on Monday to strengthen Guyana’s response to sexual assault, violence, abuse and harassment.
It brought together representatives from government agencies, the judiciary, law enforcement, civil society, health services and international organisations.
The symposium was held by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through its Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, under the theme, “Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Roadmap to Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment.”
At the opening ceremony of the symposium, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud told the audience that sexual assault and violence remain deeply rooted societal issues that require continuous national attention and collaboration from all sectors.
The minister highlighted several initiatives implemented by the ministry, including the 914 hotline, which has seen over 14,000 calls annually, with around 30 per cent related to violence, abuse, and sexual assault cases.
She also referenced the iMatter app, which allows persons to make reports, access resources, and connect directly with support staff and survivor advocates.
Minister Persaud also spoke of the Hope and Justice Centres, which provide services, including police reporting, medical assistance, legal aid, counselling, survivor advocacy, and temporary shelter in one location.
“Today, we can discuss, we can share opinions, perspectives and views, and how we can eventually move to eradication, but definitely how we can prevent, intervene efficiently, and how we can reduce the number of persons who are being affected by the scourge that is sexual assault,” Minister Persaud stated.
The symposium also highlighted Guyana’s progress over the past five years in combating sexual violence, while identifying existing gaps and encouraging recommendations for future action.