Help & Shelter has been conducting domestic violence and child abuse sessions and workshops across Guyana for over sixteen years. These sessions/workshops are aimed at raising awareness of the effects of domestic violence on individuals and communities, identifying its causes and prevention strategies.

Seventeen years ago today, Help & Shelter formally launched its crisis service to provide
counselling, referral services and other support to victims of domestic and sexual violence and
child abuse.

The date, 25 November, was chosen as it is International Day for the Elimination of Violence
against Women (IDEVAW), and women and girls comprise the overwhelming majority of

Help & Shelter wholeheartedly agrees with the Guyana Human Rights Association, APNU, Red Thread

Help & Shelter welcomes Stabroek News’ editorial of 22 March 2012 (‘Caught in the
crossfire’), which has highlighted the damage done not only to children who are direct

Help & Shelter invites the Ministers of Education and Human Services to inform the Guyanese
people what they are doing and propose to do about the rape, sexual abuse and sexual harassment

Help & Shelter wishes to register its abhorrence and outrage at the continuing escalation
of domestic violence murders and rape of women and children. What kind of twisted

On the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, Help & Shelter joins in saluting the women who have struggled and survived to achieve dignity and equality in Guyana and around the world. Help & Shelter remains concerned at the intensity of the violence against women, which continues despite the national initiatives that are in place. Help & Shelter reinforces its call to the Guyana Police Force to establish the domestic violence units to monitor and implement the GPF's strategy to deal with domestic violence.

2011 has started very badly for women and children in Guyana. Two women have already been murdered by their male partners; another woman lies in hospital seriously injured from multiple stab wounds inflicted by her partner; an 11- year- old girl was allegedly raped by a police officer at the BV Police Station; a nine- yearold boy committed suicide; male and female students from one of the prestigious schools in Guyana were filmed having sex; a teach er has been charged for sexually assaulting female secondary school students.And these are only the cases that have been reported by the media.

On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of all Forms of Violence Against Women 2010, Help & Shelter notes with increasing concern that violence against women (VAW) remains a tragically pervasive and prevalent problem in Guyana and worldwide.

The extent of VAW in Guyana is truly frightening, particularly given that many victims still suffer in silence because of fear of discrimination, trauma, threats by the perpetrator and lack of confidence in social services and the justice system.