More than 300 cases of sexual assault are reported monthly in Guyana, according to the Manager of the Sexual offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit at the Human Services Ministry, Dr Cona Husbands.

She also revealed that 70% of those cases involve children as the victims.

Dr Husbands shed light on the grim situation on Tuesday as she delivered remarks during the opening of an exhibition on sexual violence at the Umana Yana.

She reported that earlier in the year there was a spike in reported cases of sexual abuse, but the numbers have fallen in recent weeks.

“Basically, we have on average on a monthly basis in excess of 300 cases of sexual assault”, she said, while explaining that the majority of victims are women and girls.

“Greater than 90% of these cases are women. So, women are the ones who are the ones being abused, and women are the ones who are speaking up. So, if it is greater than 90 percent, we still have some men who are speaking out, and are being abused, that would be less than 10%. Now, over 70% of those cases, are children, those are persons under the age of 18 years old, and this is a significant number,” Dr Husbands said.

But while thousands of cases are reported annually, only 50% of the cases ever reach the Court, and just 10% result in Prosecution, Dr Husbands added.

Meanwhile, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA), Levine Gouveia said many of the children who experience abuse, including sexual abuse, were abused by people they know and trust.

“Far too many children experience abuse at the hands of individuals they trust. This violation not only robs them of their innocence but can have lasting psychological emotional and social effects,” the CPA Director said.

According to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, more than 4,000 cases of child abuse were recorded in 2024 with 1,200 of those cases being sexual abuse.

She said the situation has left thousands of children enduring lasting physical and emotional scars.

“It is our duty to protect our children. Educate them about personal safety and create environments where they feel save to disclose abuse,” she said.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said between 2021 and 2023, the Ministry created a “robust network of intervention, prevention and support,” backed by a strong legislative framework.

The Family Violence Act, the Gender Based Violence Policy Framework, and the Family Violence Policy are among the protective frameworks in place.

Other interventions include the introduction of the 914-help line, which is used to provide victims and survivors of sexual offences and domestic violence with the support they need.

She said the helpline receives thousands of phone calls monthly. (Svetlana Marshall)

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