Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Domestic violence more deadly than any STD-GPHC Manager
Today, domestic violence has been classified as being more deadly than any sexually transmitted disease (STDS). This is according to Navindradatt Liliah, one of the managers of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His comment was made yesterday at the closing ceremony of the “Intimate Partner Violence Workshop” which was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the hospital. The workshop started on March 12, last, with approximately 200 persons.
Mr. Odo Best, during his presentation at the closing of the Intimate Partner Violence Workshop.
Speaking with this publication was the Employee Assistance Officer, Ms. Peggy Benjamin. She said that the seminar was the brainchild of the Chief Executive Officer of the public hospital Mr. Michael Khan.
Mr. Khan, she said, introduced the programme based on the number of women that have died in the beginning of the year because they were trapped in an abusive relationship.
Gender-based Violence Coordinator, Joy Gravesande, then gave the audience a vivid view of the current state of Domestic Violence which she believes needs to be taken more seriously, and given stronger approaches so that it can be arrested. Ms. Gravesande said, “This workshop sought to do many things, and what I wish to have people understand, is that we have to do more. The number of killings that we read about everyday in the local newspaper is tangible proof that more needs to be done, and this workshop was an excellent way to start.”
While Intimate Partnership Violence refers to the escalating pattern of violence or intimidation by a current or former lover, we must bear in mind that this illness does not have a face. According to research, one out of every three women in Guyana is abused by her partner. And this is disturbing.
“Health practitioners are often the first to see abused patients and we must understand that it is important for us to create an environment where they feel safe with us. It is our responsibility to care for our patients in the best way. She said that the social ill has increased to an all time high and that, we need to work together in order to bring about significant results.”
The Director pointed to several instances where women were killed for the simplest issues. She highlighted a case which left most at a loss for words. “Just imagine a woman was killed because she went to get a packet of milk for her son and when she returned to the home, her husband believed that another man had given her the milk. “An argument ensued and then he told her to hold a lamp and just threw kerosene on her. She suffered severe burns and later succumbed to her injuries, leaving four young children behind.”
Gravesande said that when women are killed over such issues, it says a lot and it means that a lot needs to be paid attention to, especially as it relates to the psyche of our men. Also commenting on the issue was Director of the Nursing Services, Ms. Audrey Corry.
Ms. Corry who gave her full support for the programme also expressed her disappointment that persons had to be begged or reminded to attend the workshop. She said, “As I sit here at the closing of this seminar, I am no longer comfortable. We have a crisis on our hands and we need to educate our women who take a slap from their partner for granted. When your partner abuses you and he comes back with a crying sound in his voice and says to you, ‘Baby you know since you leff I ain’t eat ya know. I am sorry babe,’ that’s where we get soft but we need to be strong. We need to fight and realize our worth.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Movement of Civil Union (MCU), Mr. Odo Best, stressed that for too long the nation has been dealing with domestic violence from the wrong angle. He said, “We need to stop waiting for bad things to happen before we deal with an issue. Dealing with it when it gets to this point is not the answer. We must educate our people. Start from the foundation and stress on repairing the moral fabric of our country.”
Best added, “While we are losing our women, we are also losing our men who can still make positive contributions to our society. We lose our men to the prisons without trying to help them. They are in trouble and we should strive to give both sides the best possible assistance that we have to offer.”
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