Under current legislation, a rapist can settle a rape case out of court by paying the victim

Apr 03, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Guyana has a pervasive rape culture that will never change unless the laws do.

Under current legislation, a perpetrator can settle a rape case out of court by paying the victim, leaving the justice system powerless. This legal loophole not only denies justice to survivors but also normalizes sexual violence. I am fighting to change this law and, with it, the culture that enables rape in our country.

Rape remains one of the most common crimes in Guyana, yet inadequate criminalization, weak legal enforcement, and widespread victim-blaming create barriers to justice. Many cases never reach court, and even fewer result in convictions, allowing most perpetrators to go unpunished. Survivors are left without protection or the support services they desperately need.

While Guyana has introduced progressive rape laws, flaws in legal frameworks and judicial procedures continue to shield rapists from accountability. Lenient sentencing fails to reflect the gravity of the crime, sending a dangerous message that rape is not taken seriously. This fosters impunity, discourages victims from coming forward, and erodes public trust in the justice system.

If we are serious about ending sexual violence, we must demand stronger laws, stricter enforcement, and an end to legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to walk free. Guyana cannot afford to be a country where rape is negotiable.

Sincerely

Anthony Pantlitz

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