On Tuesday, significant advancements were made in the fight against gender-based violence in Guyana, as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) inaugurated a new child-friendly space at the Springlands Police Station and provided essential equipment to the Port Mourant Police.
These initiatives aim to bolster the capabilities of the Division’s Gender-Based Violence Unit.
The newly established child-friendly space at Springlands is designed to offer a supportive environment for children, allowing their parents to engage with police services while ensuring their children are cared for in a safe setting.
This initiative is a part of a larger effort to improve the police force’s ability to handle cases of gender-based violence effectively.
The equipment provided to the Port Mourant Police includes laptops, tablets, and cameras.
This new technology is expected to enhance the police’s investigative and prosecutorial capabilities, particularly in remote areas where access to such resources has been limited.
Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus highlighted that the new resources would greatly improve the police force’s effectiveness in addressing and prosecuting cases of gender-based violence.
He also noted a troubling increase in reported cases of statutory rape and other forms of violence in the region, attributing this rise to increased public confidence in the police’s ability to manage these sensitive cases.
The UNDP’s contribution is seen as a crucial step in supporting the local authorities and community organizations, including Saint Francis Community Developers, in their efforts to combat violence.
The additional equipment is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of police operations and support victims in their pursuit of justice.
These developments represent a continued commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, reinforcing the UNDP’s role in improving support systems for victims of violence across the country.