Orientation for domestic violence helpline operators
Akilah Doris of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Policy Unit at the orientation exercise.
Minister for Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Vindhya Persaud, delivering her address at the orientation session.
Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Monday conducted an orientation exercise for 17 domestic violence helpline operators. Operators will staff the toll-free 914 helpline, which has been set up to provide a safe space where men, women and children suffering abuse can seek help.
During brief remarks at the event held at Palms Geriatric Home, Hon. The Minister said Vindhya Persaud, told the operators that the 914 helpline would play a vital role in providing support to victims of domestic abuse.
“The way violence is going and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who experience violence are very close to the perpetrators of the abuse and violence and it is very difficult not only having that strength to call, but finding that space, to seek help and when they find all those things to call 914, we have to give them help, ”he said.
The Minister added that it is vital that trust is built between callers and operators. The Ministry would conduct ongoing training, and regularly assess and evaluate all operators.
“Trust is very critical, so your intervention will be in many different ways. Immediate intervention will be required. Someone is in a violent situation right now, and is calling for help. That help should be available because you have the list of first-line responders you should be calling to get that help, don’t just call it and leave it, ”Minister Persaud explained.
Dr. Persaud said that in addition to help such as shelter and counseling, people must have access to help through the Difficult Circumstances Unit as well as Public Assistance. Through the Ministry’s Cottage Industry Skills initiative, training would also be provided for adults, including single parents, as poverty is a contributing factor to domestic violence.
Akilah Doris of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Policy Unit led the orientation. Operators were also exposed to training in conflict management and workplace resolution.
The Ministry launched a 914 helpline in December, in collaboration with UNICEF, Digicel Guyana, GTT and the Guyana Telecommunication Agency.
The 2021 Budget provides for a significant increase in the subsidy for the organizations providing support to victims of domestic violence, including Help and Shelter, which will benefit from over $ 50 million this year.
As well as establishing a court inspectors department, which will have a series of lawyers to lead prosecutions in all regional divisions for domestic violence cases, there is also a Survivor Advocate Program to offer emotional support and crisis counseling to victims. violence and abuse. (DPI)