Domestic violence against women and children is a global ulcer that has been plaguing nations throughout the ages. But while we recognize this to be a world plague, we as Guyanese should not sit back and allow it to further grow in our society. Although our experiences with the scourge here might be infinitesimal when compared with the rest of the world, we must at all times be on the alert to put the brakes on this type of abuse to the defenseless members of families.

We appreciate the lead taken by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms.Priya Manickchand and her Ministry in the determined battle against violence against women and children.

Minister Manickchand showed her deep concern for this menace when she advised participants of a recent two-day workshop: “Let’s walk the talk”. We believe this was uttered in all seriousness, and should serve as the springboard for a frontal attack to rid our society of all forms of violence against women and children. We agree that this should be everybody’s concern and all of us should make a special effort to offer any assistance that could contribute towards removing this ulcer.

The fight against violence against women and children should not be contained to the Ministry alone. We believe that the problem is much broader than just a man or husband for no rhyme and reason brutalises a woman or his wife in full view of children. We believe that one of the contributing factors to this kind of assault is the viewing of certain television programmes which virtually glorify violence against women and children. When some people are exposed to those kinds of programmes, especially those who are mentally weak, they have the propensity of getting that inward impulse to demonstrate what they might have seen on those programmes, and in the process unleashing their animal instincts that lead to the brutalization of women and children.

This type of nonsensical behaviour does not, and should not belong to our society. More so when this type of violence is perpetrated in full view of children, (although they might not be physically abused), they become mentally and psychologically harmed and are left to grow up in society with that stigma.

We hope that the government’s domestic violence policy will take a hold on society, but for this to happen, it must not be allowed to remain on the paper on which it was written. There is need for concerted action and active collaboration from all and sundry for the eradication of this cancer from our society as Minister Manickchand puts it:

“Let’s not keep the policies on paper, but make them a reality to stop this issue in the society, especially among our children who are tomorrow’s future”.

Minister Manickchand also noted: “It is opportune for everyone to become serious about this matter which really needs to be addressed at the level of the society”.

We agree with the Minister and hope that the measures adopted would achieve the desired result which is to eliminate domestic violence.

This is a young nation and we cannot afford to allow this problem to take a grip on society. It is a matter that should engage the attention of all of us.

Together,‘let’s walk the talk’.