Human Services Minister Raises Concern Over Judicial Handling of Domestic Violence Case

May 22, 2025 – Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has expressed serious concern over what she described as a lenient approach taken by the judiciary in a recent domestic violence case involving survivor Selena Sookram.

The case, which has drawn widespread public attention, involves repeated instances of severe abuse reportedly inflicted by Sookram’s partner. Despite the gravity of the allegations and visible injuries shared across social media platforms, the accused was granted bail in the amount of $40,000. Additionally, the court ruled that the accused would retain weekend custody of the child he shares with the survivor—despite reports that the child may have witnessed the violence and was potentially harmed during the incidents.

Minister Persaud pointed to the 2024 Family Violence Bill, passed by the Government to strengthen the legal framework protecting survivors. She noted, however, that the legislation does not appear to be effectively utilized in this and other similar cases, raising questions about the efficacy of judicial decisions in upholding the law’s intended protections.

The Minister emphasized the disconnect between legal reforms and the actual experiences of survivors, many of whom are rescued from dangerous situations through coordinated efforts between the Ministry and the Guyana Police Force. She underscored that such court rulings could undermine those efforts and place survivors at renewed risk.

The Ministry of Human Services continues to provide critical support to survivors through shelters, psychosocial services, and socio-economic assistance, while also collaborating with law enforcement to ensure timely intervention.

Dr. Persaud also called on other state agencies to fulfill their roles in enforcing protections under the law, highlighting the need for a cohesive and survivor-focused response across all levels of the justice and social support systems.

See Full Statement Below:

“

I wish to record my disappointment and concern at the seemingly lenient approach adopted by courts. as recent as today. The case involving Selena Sookram who has been the subject of constant violent bloody abuse at the hands of her partner, being a case in point.

The court saw it fit to release the alleged perpetrator on bail on the paltry sum of $40,000. Worse yet, the court permits him to have custody of the child on weekends. I am informed that the child witnessed the brutalities and mqy have been hurt in the process. The bloody and battered face of the survivor was prominently displayed on social media.

When our Government enacted the Family Violence Bill in 2024, it was our fervent hope that the tough measures contained in the Act would have provided a more robust protective legislative framework. It is obvious that the new legislation is not being used. This is a travesty !

The people are not benefiting from the laws that are being enacted.

How can we keep survivors of violence safe , many of them women, with these decisions handed down by courts that seem to be devoid of concern for the realities of survivors who are wrested from violent situations by Ministry of Human Services and Guyana Police Force, mant tirnes to save their lives.

The Ministry of Human Services continues to work to provide safe shelter, psychosocial and socio-economic support and to work along with the Guyana Police Force to remove and suppet women caught in these violent situations.

I encourage other relevant state agencies to discharge their duties in this regard.”

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