Dear Editor,
The Stabroek News reported on May 28, 2009, that the Guyana Police Force received and investigated 2,811 domestic violence reports countrywide and charged 579 at the end of last year. The incidence of domestic violence deaths in 2009 in Guyana is overwhelming, and yet another woman suffered that fate on Thursday. Violence in Guyana is now everywhere, and it seems that we are desensitised to it even as it invades and infests the family space.
In the UK, statistics suggest that domestic violence accounts for a quarter of all violent crime, and by the time a complaint is made to the police, there have been about 34 previous incidents. The incidents usually worsen and sometimes can have fatal consequences.
Guyana has witnessed an alarming increase in domestic violence deaths this year and this is not an issue for the government and the police alone, it is one in which we all can play a role. There is a continuing need to better educate both the public and professionals who come into contact with victims and abusers about the dynamics of domestic violence and the need to take appropriate action with potential abusers, victims and their children.
Most remarkable in these deaths was the fact that they all appeared predictable and preventable with the benefit of hindsight. Relatives were aware of acts of violence and many domestic violence deaths may have been prevented if the criminal justice system, doctors, clergy, counsellors, families, friends and neighbours had better engaged the victim in risk assessment and safety planning, and taken appropriate action when they recognised the risk in an abuser’s behaviour.
Of course, one cannot ignore the fact that the abuser’s conduct may have been so violent, that others live in fear and choose self preservation rather than risk involvement. In these circumstances, confidence in the police is imperative to encourage reports by neighbours and/or family members.
There must be an awareness and education programme to address the ‘culture of silence’ surrounding domestic violence, and its apparent acceptance that still exists in some families, communities and even the churches. Some religious married women feel that God does not permit them to leave, that marriage is forever no matter how cruel their husband’s treatment, that this may be their cross to bear, or that perpetual forgiveness of their husband for his repeated behaviour is God’s expectation.
Lawyers who see victims and abusers have a unique opportunity to intervene and make appropriate referrals, which may save lives. They sometimes see the escalating risks when dealing with these matters either in a family law or criminal law setting.
The days of feeling that whatever happens within a family, including violence, is a personal family matter are long gone. The topic of domestic violence must be taken out of the realm of the private and the taboo broken. The government has made great efforts to prevent domestic violence, many non-governmental groups are also involved, but it’s not enough. We all must play our role and look out for domestic violence in every corner of society and to help raise public awareness.
There is no passion, there is no love in a domestic violence fatality. We must name it for what it is – in most cases, it is premeditated, it is anger, it is revenge and it is the ultimate act of control. Enough is enough. Remember the words of Singing Francine:
Cat does run away, dog does run away
Child does run away when you treating them bad
Woman put two wheels on your heels
What happen to you?
Woman you can run away too.
Yours faithfully,
Dawn A Holder
