Guyana Minister calls for stronger action against rape and child sexual abuse

Guyana’s Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has called for increased accountability and improved inter-agency collaboration to combat rape and child sexual abuse. Speaking at a Child Sexual Abuse Workshop at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre, Persaud highlighted that 209 rape cases were recorded in 2025, with 85 cases reported in the first half of 2026.

To address systemic weaknesses, the Minister emphasized the need to strengthen every stage of the response process, including reporting, investigations, medical examinations, evidence collection, and prosecution. Specific recommendations included ensuring rape kits are available in every region, training more medical personnel for examinations, and ensuring prompt completion of case reports.

Persaud also noted existing support systems such as Child Advocacy Centres, the 24-hour 914 hotline, the iMatter app, and Hope and Justice Centres, urging professionals to work together to eliminate sexual violence.