DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAS GROWN TO BE A NATIONAL PROBLEM

Jul 05, 2009 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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By AFC Executive Member
Pastor Sewnauth Punalall

The continuing rise of domestic violence across Guyana is of grave concern to the Alliance For Change as a political party which views the human resource of our country as our most valuable asset. We believe that Guyanese of all walks of life, whether resident here or abroad, should be treated with love and respect and cared for in the most humane way. Unfortunately domestic violence robs victims of their fundamental rights to be happy and to maintain control over their own lives. Individuals who are abused live in fear and isolation in the one place they should always feel safe, and that is their own home.
One of the goals of the AFC, as articulated in our August, 2006 manifesto is “to restore national pride and dignity to the people of Guyana”. In pursuit of this goal we call on the government and civil society to team with us as we recognize that domestic violence has grown to be a national problem arising out of complex causes. Whilst we should implement appropriate legislation and punish offenders guilty of this crime we need to look at its causes and work in collaboration to root out these causes.
The causes of domestic violence are very obvious in our society. One does not need to be an expert to know this. Actually we are bombarded by it from the media. Hardly a day passes and we do not hear of some form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, some serious injury, hospitalization or even death.
What makes the situation more pathetic is the fact that most victims are women and girls, the very ones who ought to be treated with warmth, tenderness and compassion. In most cases these poor women are harassed to the point where they are isolated from their friends, family, and neighbours and even lose their network of social and economic support.
We read of cases where masculine domination reigns in the hearts of ungodly men who traditionally believe that they have a right to control women even if it involves humiliation or hurt. We learn daily of others who out of unwarranted jealousy will hurt the opposite sex, who have no desire to regulate their anger or strong emotions, who suffer from low self esteem and abuse women who have a better education or socio-economic background.
Then there are the more serious cases which involve perpetrators who are on alcohol or other chemical substances which contribute to violent behaviour. We all know that a drunk or a ‘high’ person will be less likely to control his or her violent impulses. This means that the authorities of the day must make a more determined effort to curb the sale of alcohol and drugs in our land. Of course this will be met with great opposition from those who gain easy wealth from such businesses. Therefore we who are God-fearing and value righteous standards must firmly demand that this be done.
We must also recognize that many instances of domestic violence arise out of the complexities of triangular and extra-marital affairs and sexual perversions. The Bible warns that those who sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.
Too many of our people have abandoned life transforming truths and are following the broad way that leads to destruction. “… It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-3.
How does domestic violence affect children? In the year 2000 Dr. Sturge and Dr. Glaser submitted a report to the advisory board on Family Law in England. Their research findings showed that “threats to the guardian on whom the children are dependant have more serious psychological consequences for children than attacks on children themselves…Violence, whether experienced by children as observer or a direct victims, causes immense long-term harm. Children may suffer post-traumatic anxieties or symptoms, including persistent memories of the violence”.
Another research done by Dr. Toby D. Goldsmith found that “children who witness or are the victims of violence may learn to believe that violence is a reasonable way to resolve conflict”. These truths affirm that immense damage is done to our children who we depend on to be the men and women of tomorrow. We have had recent cases in our country involving very young teens who took up assault weapons and committed deadly crimes. If we fail to act in a corrective way now we may very well see more of this type of destruction in our already fragile society.
Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, on Sept 8, 2003, recommended to the judiciary of England and Wales the following three-fold approach aimed at promoting safety and justice for victims of domestic violence:-
· Prevention through changing deep-seated social attitudes.
· Protection and justice by the better administration of justice.
· Support such as the removal of the victim from the environment of abuse to safe houses or centres and medical, financial and emotional support.
Violence within the family is no longer purely a ‘domestic’ issue. It is a problem which belongs to society as a whole, not just a legal problem, a health problem or a policing problem. This being the case, the AFC is calling on Guyanese of all walks of life to unite with us as we work together to rid our country of the evils of domestic violence. Our first effort in this direction will be a call for a national day of prayer and fasting which date will soon be published. We solicit your co-operation, comments and suggestions.

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