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As part of its efforts to help eradicate the scourge of abuse, especially against women and children, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) recently launched the Spotlight Initiative programme to educate, spread awareness, and provide intervention to victims of violence regardless of gender and age.

“We want to see people understand that it is not the first recourse. Using your fist and using weapons to hit at each other, that’s not where you should be going. Let’s look at effective and open communication and dialogue…. One life (lost) is one too much,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) Dr Vindhya Persaud said.

In a recent interview with Stabroek News, Persaud explained that the programme is presently in its early stages where the terms of reference are being reviewed and groups are being developed.

“The programme is in [its] early stage. At this point we are having review sessions to determine how it is working, what are the cases coming in and how to improve responses,” Persaud informed.

She explained that the initiative consists of several pillars as it relates to violence, particularly legislation, services, training, and working with civil society organisations to build capacity.

By next month, she said, a number of other programmes which fall within the initiative are expected to be introduced.

The goal, according to Persaud, is to combat domestic violence.

“It’s one thing to have intervention but we have also embarked on awareness campaigns… and this is getting the message out there… there will be zero tolerance for abuse of any kind and avenues too for persons who are. So it’s education, awareness, intervention,” Persaud declared.

“All of that hopefully leading to prevention, that’s the ultimate goal,” she added.

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