Cultural stereotypes persist despite police zero tolerance on domestic violence – activists

Gail Teixeira

Even though the Guyana Police Force has declared “zero tolerance” for domestic violence the treatment meted out to victims of physical and sexual violence at some police stations has left a lot to be desired. Women rights activists have condemned the response from the police and have pointed to the fact that although the legislation is there it is not being implemented.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Balram Persaud recently told the Women & Gender Equality Commission that the force has a “zero tolerance” policy in relation to domestic violence yet in a recent high-profile case a woman with obvious signs of physical violence was told at one station that she had to visit