A new Hope and Justice Center has been inaugurated at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara, providing a comprehensive range of social, legal, medical, and other services for victims of sexual, domestic, and gender-based violence.
The facility is the first of its kind not only in Guyana but also in CARICOM.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, highlighted that the center will offer social services, probation services, counseling, medical services, legal services, and aims to have a permanent police presence.
The facility is strategically located in close proximity to health centers, police stations, and magistrates’ courts.
Nandlall emphasized that the government is not only providing infrastructure and support services but is also enhancing Guyana’s legal framework to prevent and bring justice in cases of domestic violence.
He mentioned the upcoming Family Violence Bill, which is expected to significantly improve how these cases are handled.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, stated that the comprehensive model of the center would be replicated across the country.
The facility’s design and model take into account the nuances and details related to gender-based violence.
The Hope and Justice Centre is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Human Services, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank’s Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) program.