Wife Abuse

Let’s Talk About It
What is Wife Abuse?

Wife abuse happens when woman’s husband or boyfriend hurts or threatens to hurt her. Wife abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual. Some experience one of these forms of abuse and some experience all of them. 

Wife abuse is against the law. It is a crime and it can be stopped.

What Can You Do if You Are Being Abused?

•	Remember the abuse is NOT your fault
•	Remember abuse is a CRIME and must be stopped  
•	Remember that you deserve to be safe from abuse
•	Call Help & Shelter
•	Call the police
•	Talk with someone you trust
•	If someone does not believe you, do not give up. Keep looking for someone to talk to.

What Can You Do if You’ve Been Sexually Abused?

•	Immediately tell the police that you have been sexually abused
•	Go to the hospital as soon as possible after the assault – you will need a medical examination
•	Do not shower or dispose of your clothing as you could     destroy crucial evidence
•	Contact Help & Shelter for counselling
•	Talk to someone you trust

Did You Know?

•	No one has the right to assault you. This includes your husband or boyfriend.
•	All women suffer pain and trauma from a sexual assault, even many years later. They may show this in different ways, or it may not show it at all. It helps to talk about it
•	If you are abused you are not alone and you are not to blame.
•	If the police do not charge your abuser you have the right to ask why.
•	You cannot stop his violence but you can stop yourself from being abused.
•	Our society must show that we will no longer accept violence against women
•	Abuse does not go away, it almost always gets worse
•	Abuse that starts with a slap can end in murder

Statistics show that between 1/3 and 2/3 of Guyanese women are abused. 

Emotional abuse can include:

•	Insults
•	Threats
•	Humiliation
•	Blame for things that are not her/his fault
•	Controlling  where she goes and who she socializes with 
•	Withholding money or food
•	Withholding love

Physical abuse can include:

•	Kicking 
•	Hitting
•	Slapping 
•	Pushing 
•	Punching 
•	Pulling hair 
•	Biting
•	Scratching
•	Burning
•	Stabbing

Sexual abuse can include:

•	Forcing a woman to have sex
•	Forcing a woman to take part in sexual acts that she does not enjoy

Help & Shelter 02-73454

If you want more information about wife abuse, please look at some of our other brochures, or 
contact Help & Shelter. 

Our Phone number: 02-73454
When you can call:  24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Who will talk with you: A trained counselor

Services Offered by Help and Shelter

All information is confidential

•	Counselling for all forms of abuse
•	Support through the court experience for victims of rape and child sexual abuse
•	Consciousness raising for the        community
•	Training of new volunteers
•	School talks to educate young people about violence

August, 2000

c/o Ministry of Housing Annexe
Bottom Flat
Homestretch Avenue
Durban Park
Georgetown

Phone: 02-73454, 02-54731, 02-78353
Email: hands@sdnp.org.gy
Website: http://www.sdnp.org.gy/hands

Acknowledgements:
The Crisis Centre
Knowles House 
Princess Margaret Hospital
Bahamas