Men facing abuse still mocked at Police stations- Minister Persaud

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has raised concerns about the way men seeking help for abuse are treated at Police stations, warning that ridicule and mockery remain major barriers to reporting.

“There is work to be done at Police stations so that when men go to report abuse, they are not laughed at, they are not mocked because that happens.

“They might find in that one split second the courage to say, ‘I am being abused,’ and if they are dismissed, that moment is gone,” Dr Persaud said on Wednesday.

She was at the time speaking at Men’s Wellness Symposium held at Herdmanston Lodge held under the theme “Stronger men, stronger families, stronger Guyana” in observance of International Men’s Day.

Dr Persaud revealed that although the 914 hotline was initially used almost exclusively by women, this year saw a noticeable shift.

“For the first three years, only women called the hotline. This year, we have seen more men calling to report abuse. That is progress,” she said.

However, she stressed that progress is being undermined by how some men are treated when they turn to police for help. So, Dr Persaud urged the public to challenge harmful attitudes within their social circles and encourage men to speak openly about their experiences.

“The services are not only for women,” she emphasised, reminding that the 914 hotline, the iMatter app, the legal pro bono initiative, counselling services and shelters are all gender-neutral.

Dr Persaud also pressed for a generational shift in how society understands gender roles and expectations.

“We should not be okay with abuse, violence or disrespect. We should not accept preconceived labels about what men should or shouldn’t do,” she said.

Recognising the need to improve the entry points for reporting abuse, Dr Persaud said Police have been trained under the COPSQUAD initiative, and further reforms are coming.

Early next year, she said, the ministry will roll out a QR code that allows civilians to report their interactions with the Police.

Additionally, a nationwide campaign will begin to upgrade rooms in police stations that handle gender-based matters, ensuring greater comfort and privacy for anyone regardless of their gender seeking protection and support.