Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams on Sunday said although the Government has invested significantly in relief measures for domestic violence victims, a coordinated approach is needed to effectively address the problem.
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, the Minister made these statements at the United Bridge Builders Mission Incorporated’s (UBBM) Purple Angel Walk and Rally, which is expected to be held annually to raise awareness about the effects of domestic violence and suicide on children.
Hastings-Williams joined more than 100 UBBM members, concerned citizens, and stakeholders in the walkathon from the Parliament Buildings on Brickdam, to the Square of the Revolution where a rally was held.
In her address at the rally, Hastings-Williams said “In Guyana, domestic violence is widespread, found throughout all the regions of Guyana. Widespread not only along [ethnic] and religious lines, but along socio-economic lines as well. As a Government, we thank those organizations who collaborate with us to tackle this issue, which affects all Guyanese. It means a lot to me personally and on behalf of the Government of Guyana, we do care and we value every life,” she said.
The statement said that UBBM founder, Bonita Montague, urged other organizations and Government entities to become more involved in the fight against this scourge. She emphasized that Guyanese children are the ones who suffer the most as a result of gender-based violence.
