Break the Cycle: Understanding and Addressing Domestic Violence in Guyana

A home should be a place of safety, love and cherished memories, but for many in Guyana, it is the opposite. Domestic violence touches lives across all ages, genders, and social classes, leaving deep physical and emotional scars. Its impact goes beyond bruises and injuries, often encompassing emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse that can cause lasting consequences for families and communities.

Kevin Massiah, a Public Education Officer at Help & Shelter, has witnessed the devastating impact firsthand. Help & Shelter has been supporting survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking since 1994, providing counselling, shelter, court support, and public education.

Kevin Massiah

“When we talk about domestic violence, we mean any pattern of behaviour where one person seeks to control or intimidate another within the home,” Mr. Massiah explained. “Warning signs can range from visible physical injuries to changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fearfulness, or frequent requests for help that may seem subtle at first.”

The consequences for women and children are far-reaching. Women who experience abuse often deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health issues. Emotional strain can lead to isolation, loss of interest in relationships, and, tragically, the cycle of abuse continuing within families. Children growing up in these environments may struggle with fear, low self-esteem, anger, and academic challenges, sometimes regressing to earlier developmental behaviors such as bedwetting.

From January to September, Help & Shelter assisted hundreds of survivors through counselling, hotline support, follow-ups, and shelter services. Public education initiatives also reached nearly 600 people across several regions, equipping communities with tools to recognize abuse and support victims.

“Fear, economic dependence, and concern for children often keep women trapped,” Mr. Massiah said. “Consistent support, access to resources, and public awareness are key to helping survivors safely leave these relationships and rebuild their lives.”

He stressed that ending domestic violence is not the responsibility of one organization alone. Families, schools, and communities play a critical role in preventing abuse, promoting healthy relationships, and providing safe spaces for victims to speak out. “Ending domestic violence isn’t only the responsibility of one organization; it’s about communities coming together to create safer homes,” he noted.

Help & Shelter provides confidential counselling, court support, educational workshops, and emergency shelter for women and children in crisis. Their 24/7 hotlines, 613-1758, 613-1811, and 633-3788, with Spanish support at 608-2096 and 608-2097, offer an immediate lifeline. Additional information is available at hands@networksgy.com or www.hands.org.gy.

“A life free from violence is not just a goal, it’s every person’s right,” Mr. Massiah concluded. Together, let’s break the cycle and build safer homes and communities across Guyana.

Written by: H. Lacruz