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As a society, we must address the plight of sexual assault victims

Jan 10, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

The pain and trauma caused by sexual assault never truly go away. For many victims, the journey to justice is fraught with obstacles, from deeply entrenched systemic issues to societal stigma.

In sexual assault cases, 99 per cent of the outcome depends on a thorough and unbiased police investigation. Without strong evidence gathered by competent investigators, prosecutors are left with little to persuade a jury to convict perpetrators. Unfortunately, in Guyana, victims often face an alarming reality: there are no independent investigative bodies to turn to. When police investigations are compromised—whether by negligence, bias, or corruption—victims are left with nowhere to seek justice.

The police are not able to do sexual assault investigations.  To compound the issue, victims are frequently pressured by law enforcement to settle cases financially. Such settlements often serve the interests of the police, as they reduce workload and absolve investigators of responsibility if a conviction fails in court. This practice prioritizes convenience over justice, leaving victims feeling betrayed by the very system meant to protect them.

How can victims achieve justice when perpetrators are wealthy, well-connected, and can exploit a police force vulnerable to bribery? The odds are stacked against victims, especially when their voices are silenced or their cases dismissed due to systemic corruption. Sexual assault not only causes unimaginable physical and emotional harm but also brings shame and disgrace to victims—a burden they should never have to carry.

As a society, we must demand accountability from our institutions. There must be independent investigative bodies to handle sensitive cases like sexual assault, ensuring fairness and integrity. Victims deserve justice, not coerced settlements or silence. Their pain must not be minimized or trivialized by a system.

Regards,

(Name provided)

(As a society, we must address the plight of sexual assault victims)

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