Report abuse early to the Ministry – Dr Persaud

With 275 cases of abuse reported to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for the year so far, subject minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has made a direct appeal to members of the public to report cases early.

At a press conference on Saturday, in the studio of the National Communications Network (NCN), Dr Persaud reported that there were 4,038 cases of child abuse for 2024.

“Please call us and let us know. An early report can help someone,” she said, as she noted how venting on social media instead can result in more harm.

In Region One (Barima/Waini), there were 51 cases of child sexual abuse cases; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 181; Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), 145; Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), 466; Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), 83; Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), 147; Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), 10; Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), 21; Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), 50; and Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), 48.

Minister Persaud pointed to a shortage of childcare officers as a challenge affecting the work of the ministry, noting how the ratio represents about 90 to 100 cases per child protection officer.

She said she is hoping that more persons will see the need that exists and be moved to step in and take up the mantle.

At the moment, there are only 48 childcare officers stationed across the country. In the hinterland, Minister Persaud said, is especially difficult to meet the need.

Minister Persaud renewed her call for persons to use the 914 hotline in reporting cases. The hotline was launched in December 2020 in response to the significant decline in the reporting of violence and child abuse.

“Whenever there is a case…we must report it, even if it has nothing to do with us. Don’t turn a blind eye,” Dr Persaud had encouraged.

Another option is the iMatter app. Police officers have also been specially trained under the Cop Squad initiative on how to handle domestic violence cases, particularly when taking reports and dealing with victims.