254 rape cases reported this year
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded 254 cases of rape so far for 2021, showing a 55% increase from 2020. According to data presented by President Irfaan Ali during a recent statement, this year’s total is 93 more than last year’s 163 cases recorded for the same period.
The President said, “this is an issue we have to get tough on, this is one of the areas that we have to see tremendous improvement.”
Over the past week, the Police have provided reports on four rape cases involving men, ages 20, 30, 40 and 48 years old who were charged for Rape of a Child Under 16 Years Contrary to Section 10(3) of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03.
On Monday, another alleged rape case was reported for which a 29-year-old male is in custody.
Global statistics have indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing measures implemented to reduce the spread of the disease have led to an increase in sexual assault and domestic abuse cases.
One year ago, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security introduced the 914 emergency number to facilitate the reporting of domestic and sexual violence, and called culture of silence and the acceptance of violence against women and girls wherever it exists.
According to the Ministry, in Guyana, over 210,000 or 3 in 5 women have experienced some form of violence either sexually or physically,
