The Women and Gender Equality Commission has viewed with concern the continued rise in domestic and gender-based violence. It says the matter, along with sexual harassment, “needs to be addressed in its entirety,” and thus focus has been centered on the workplace.Gillian Burton, who represents the labour section on the Commission, said that in many cases the problems of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace are not highlighted or reported. She said victims are left to fend for themselves, oftentimes not knowing where to go or who to talk to. Gradually, the labour representative said, complaints of sexual harassment and gender-based violence are increasing – according to reports received.She related that the Commission is thus calling for free zones and workplace policies that speak directly to violence and harassment on the job to be created.Burton explained that over the years, “the labour movement has acknowledged the upsurge of domestic violence and sexual harassment.” They have noted that these matters continue, despite a number of policies being put in place to address it.The Commission has thus agreed, “That now is the time to implore the leaders to import a policy that tackles the issue outside of the home.” Like a workplace policy for HIV and AIDS, the Commissioner said, one must be implemented for sexual harassment, domestic violence and gender-based violence at work.She pointed out that the agency is concerned that the issues have escalated and are becoming more evident. Quite recently, she continued, the Commission met with the police force and the University of Guyana, expressing their concerns.The agencies were urged to put in place zero tolerance on domestic violence and sexual harassment. Further engagements sought collaboration for the installation of billboards and posters, while the free zones relating to sexual harassment and domestic violence are established.It was related that the framework for this policy is already being addressed and discourse is being held with stakeholders to aid in drafting exactly what is needed. The consideration of the Parliament, before making the document law, will be the next step.Burton however said that, “We know of issues where relationships develop in workplaces, since it is of a male and female environment. The fact that persons would have reported being sexually harassed over the years at workplaces; the fact that young persons might have their bosses making overtures, is just a tip of the problem. Things might have occurred and put on a down-low. Where will these people go to make complaints? How is it addressed?” she asked.In a meeting recently held with senior members of the police force,Ultra Boost Cheap China, Renata Chuck-A-Sang, who represents the private sector, said that the Commission was told by Deputy Commissioner of Police Balram Persaud that the force has zero tolerance towards domestic violence.She said he pointed out that 60 percent of those cases make it to court, because for others, lack of evidence, the reluctance of the victim to testify in court or carrying on to pursue with the matter, are major challenges.According to the Commission, the police have however exposed new strategies to handle domestic violence. One of those, it was noted, is taking the accused to court without the victims.They said when a report of domestic violence or other is made, the victim is sent for a medical report and then they make the criminal report. This will however change, since the police will take the criminal report before the victim is sent to the hospital. That way, even if the victim does not return, the police would have the information to take the offender to court.
