By Celestine Chacon
February 1, 2025
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has issued a strong call for citizens to report instances of domestic abuse in an effort to prevent further tragedies.
Her appeal comes in the wake of the recent murders of three women in separate incidents linked to domestic violence.
Dr. Persaud took to social media to express her condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of her ministry’s support during this difficult time.
She emphasized that combating domestic violence requires collective action and urged the public to be vigilant and proactive in reporting abuse.
She stressed that the ministry can only intervene if cases are brought to their attention.
The minister also reminded the public of the 914 emergency hotline, which is available for reporting abuse across all regions and communities.
She urged people to use this mechanism to help protect vulnerable individuals, especially women and girls, from further violence.
The three victims included a 64-year-old woman from Belle West, West Bank Demerara; a 34-year-old mother who was killed in her Annandale, East Coast Demerara home; and the youngest victim, a 16-year-old girl from Baramita, Region One.
Dr. Persaud reiterated that domestic violence should never be ignored and called on neighbors, family members, and community members to be the “eyes and ears on the ground” by reporting any signs of abuse.