Domestic violence victims are filing complaints with the authorities, but are mostly withdrawing from court action the Guyana Police Force said yesterday, in response to what it said it was mounting claims about a poor police record in this area.
Of the 2,811 reports of domestic violence lodged at police stations across the country for the year so far, 1,609 cases resulted in mere warnings being given to the perpetrators at the request of the victims, according to the police. Five hundred and seventy-nine persons were charged in other matters and 299 cases were referred to the Probation and Family Welfare Department of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
A police statement released yesterday said the force had previously embarked on an extensive programme, initially training several officers in the area of domestic violence, and subsequently incorporating domestic violence in its start-up training programmes at the Felix Austin Police College. Additionally, the force said, it ensures that every policeman/woman in every police division receives domestic violence training.
Domestic violence reports are filed in specific books that are open at all stations, and a monthly return is prepared indicating what action had been taken on such matter, the statement said.
The monthly record is then sent to the Criminal Investigation Department at Police Headquarters, which maintains statistics and records in relation to domestic violence.
“Clear instructions have also been issued for ranks to take quick and effective action as it relates to domestic violence. In fact, invariably, the cases that do not end up before the courts are cases where the virtual complainants [have] refused to give statements or [have] requested a warning,” the police stated.
Further, the statement said, investigations are ongoing in a number of reports.
Scathing criticism has long been levelled against the force for its domestic violence record, particularly as it relates to first time complaints and follow-ups. Victims have repeatedly complained about filing reports and being told by officers on duty to “go home and make up with the man”, and “is normal man and woman story”. Other victims in interviews with the media have complained about the police failing to follow-up on reports, and only showing up when they had been assaulted, and/or maimed.
Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand has also voiced concerns about police response to domestic violence saying that they can certainly do more and “have to do more”.
Stabroek News has repeatedly sought an interview with the force on its domestic violence record and how it is handling the issue to no avail.
