Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 07, 2013 News
– Request safe house to be established forthwith
The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) has reiterated that it is “deeply concerned about the apparent never-ending scourge of domestic violence, and in particular the recent spate of incidents of domestic violence against children and women, including one of its members”.
“We, in very strong terms, condemn these acts,” the body said in a release issued yesterday.
This comes on the heels of Attorney-at-law Wanda Fortune who was among four persons injured after her stepfather chopped her two sisters and mother on Thursday last in Sophia.
Fortune, 26, was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) the following day.
The GAWL asserted that domestic violence is not just a woman’s issue, but a social and political one that should concern every citizen and leader.
“We strongly demand that justice be done in these and all other cases and that the lawful steps be taken to have the perpetrators punished.”
It was highlighted that the recent incidents are in no way isolated ones; domestic violence occurs with frightening regularity in Guyana. It is well known that many complaints are simply disregarded or not given appropriate responses.
“We urge that the wheels of justice turn not only to recent incidents, but to the epidemic of domestic violence that threatens all of us. The police must tangibly demonstrate all the training given and protocols developed to deal with domestic violence offences. Likewise, victims must use the system and not continue to condone these acts by refusing to give evidence. Refusal to act now may mean injury or death sooner or later, as a perpetrator who is not punished is emboldened to continue for as long as possible.”
Underscoring that silent witnesses to everyday forms of abuse are equally responsible for domestic violence being embedded in culture and hence being so prevalent today, the GAWL said “we, therefore, also condemn the culture of silence and tolerance. We encourage the commitment of all citizens to actively condemn and openly talk against domestic violence occurring in our own, our neighbour’s and our friends’ households.”
“We also highly condemn the insinuations and suggestions that women are often responsible for the violence and other forms of abuse meted out to them. Domestic violence is not and has never been women’s fault; it is a construct of historical, cultural, economic and social relations that are based on the power and control of men in society.
To date, there has been little said by men in our society to encourage each other that domestic violence is wrong; that no person has a right to abuse another, to injure and take life. Any grievances in a relationship can be dealt with through the many legal mechanisms available or by other peaceful means,” the body stated.
“We also challenge our leaders in Guyana to urgently seek meaningful research by professionals to update the causes and effect of domestic violence on our society in order to guide a sensible national response.”
It was further asserted that it has been established that one of the reasons vulnerable persons choose to remain in violent homes is because of the presence of children and the lack of means to provide for them without the abuser.
As such, the GAWL recommends that a safe house be established forthwith so that women who make the decision to leave their homes will have alternative accommodation for themselves and their children until the law can take its course.
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