The ‘Break the Silence, Stop the Violence’ movement against domestic violence continues met in New York last week to plan this year’s agenda, even as it continues to seek justice for victims.
In a press release the group which comprises Dianne Madray of the Irene Madray’s Recreational Arts and Resources Centre, Varshnie Singh of Kids First Fund, Kaieteur News columnist Stella Ramsaroop and Sukree Boodram, author of Breakout: A True Story discussed plans to host more awareness exercises about domestic violence in Guyana. Annetta Seecharran, a social justice strategist also joined the group for this meeting.
According to the release the movement continues to grow from strength to strength as its supporters increase and more victims seek help. The effort, which began in Guyana with a rally and workshops to start a national conversation on domestic violence, will soon include Guyanese and the wider Caribbean communities in the US.
The team plans to collaborate with other organisations to enhance its impact, stating that it is “willing to work with anyone regardless of race, religion or political affiliation to address the escalating [domestic] violence,” the release said. According to the movement, in Guyana there have already been ten new cases of domestic violence reported by the media in 2011. A number of older cases are also yet to be resolved. Babita Sarju is still missing and her estranged husband is due back in court on February 9 to answer to charges that he posted nude photographs around her workplace before she disappeared. Tiffiney Jackson’s abuser is also still free after striking her to the head with a glass bottle, causing extensive damage to her face and right eye.
In addition, the release said Madray and Boodram were guests on AM1600WWRL to discuss domestic violence and to highlight Boodram’s book. Boodram was also a guest on the television show Asian Indian Immigrant Experience where she talked about her own experiences with domestic violence and how after 21 years she finally broke free. Boodram’s book will be released in March.
