Dear Editor,
This year, the 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is being observed under the theme “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” Although it has been a challenging year, we at Help & Shelter have been resolute in our efforts to respond to the needs of women and girl survivors of violence and to continue our work for the prevention of the various forms of violence.
The impact of COVID-19 cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, measures put in place to combat this pandemic have resulted in the loss of employment, increased isolation, increased use of drugs and alcohol as coping measures and greater financial need and dependency, among other factors, which have contributed to not only an increase in the threat and use of violence but also many suffering in silence without an opportunity to reach out for help.
Help & Shelter has recorded a slight decrease in its face-to-face client intake but over a 100% increase in hotline calls. Our shelter has had to reduce its intake due to COVID-19 restrictions. In our public education work, we have been able to engage communities through the use of social media and other platforms, continuing to raise awareness and providing training and other support measures such as dissemination of posters, booklets, referral information and brochures focused on response and referrals for GBV issues.
In light of recent reports in the media that indicated that the courts have received over 3,000 reports of gender-based violence, Help & Shelter reaffirms its commitment to offering confidential psychosocial support to women and girls who are survivors of violence, including court support, shelter/safe space accommodation and face-to-face and hotline counselling services. We urge all individuals to take advantage of these services that are offered free to the public.
Recognising the number of migrants from Venezuela who are in need of our services, we have retained the full-time services of a Spanish-speaking psychosocial counsellor and some members of our staff have pursued Spanish language courses.
We remain hopeful that gender-based violence can be reduced if not eliminated if more men are involved in the process and are educated and/or better informed on the subject, as revealed in recent discussions held with men. We continue to engage with men and encourage referrals from the various agencies and authorities engaging male perpetrators of violence.
We would remind men and boys that it’s necessary and acceptable to seek help if you have issues addressing anger and do not know how you can handle conflict apart from using violence.
We reiterate our gratitude to the Government of Guyana, the Spotlight Initiative, other funders, the private sector and the public for their continued support of our efforts in combating all forms of violence against women and girls.
For those who are unable to visit our office on Homestretch Avenue, we can be reached through Facebook at and on the following hotline numbers:
24-hr Hotline numbers 613 1758, 613 1811 – office number 225 4731 – Facebook: www.facebook.com/handsgy
Bilingual hotline number 608 2097
Yours faithfully,
Kevin Massiah
Pamela Nauth
Niveta Shivjatan
Colin Marks
Linda Hustler-Gray
Danuta Radzik
Josephine Whitehead
For Help & Shelter
