Victims encouraged to report abuse at any Police Station or by phone

Superintendent Shellon Daniels is reminding members of the public that reports of domestic violence can be made at any Police Station across the country, either in person or by telephone, as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to strengthen its response under the Family Violence Act 2024.

Speaking on a recent episode of the ‘Police and You’ programme, Superintendent Daniels explained that once a person recognises they are being abused, it is important to make a report immediately.

“Once a person recognises they are being abused one way or the other, whether verbally, physically, economically, or physiologically, it is advisable a report is made at any police station of your choice.

“You are not inclined to go to a station you don’t feel comfortable with. I would advise you make a report at a station and if you are not satisfied with the level of attention you get… nothing prevents you from taking it… until you reach the highest hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force,” she said.

Superintendent Daniels further explained that persons do not have to go in person to make a report.

“You can call any police station. We have the domestic violence hotline number which is 914,” she said, adding that police are mandated to entertain reports via telephone or in person.

She noted that once a report is made, it helps to show “the cycle or the trend of the person to which you are trying to apply to secure the protection order.”

Under the Family Violence Act 2024, relatives, guardians or family members can also apply for a protection order on behalf of a victim. Daniels explained that in addition, the Police can assist victims in applying for such orders once they are given consent to do so.

After making a report, victims can visit any Magistrate’s Court to apply for a protection order with the assistance of a clerk of court.

Superintendent Daniels explained that once the forms are completed and presented to the magistrate, a date will be set for the application. Police will then help serve the order on the abuser and return proof of service to the court.

She added that if the perpetrator fails to appear in court, the magistrate may issue an interim order or proceed to hear the matter ex parte (in their absence).

Superintendent Daniels urged persons to take these matters seriously, emphasising that protection orders are powerful legal tools.

“Protection orders are instructions of authority given under the sign of a magistrate or judge and command the police to do certain things.

“I would advise you, once you secure those orders, take it to the Police Station closest to where the person resides, and the police will take evasive actions,” Daniels said.