HGP Nightly News – With 796 domestic violence cases recorded in 2025 and only 168 ending in convictions, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack is calling for a more humane and victim-centred approach in the way abuse complaints are handled across Guyana’s justice system.
The DPP made the call while addressing a Justice Education Society training session on trauma-informed and gender-sensitive justice, where she urged police prosecutors to understand that the treatment of complainants can directly affect whether they remain engaged in the process or walk away from it. Her message was that professionalism in these cases must go beyond knowledge of the law and include empathy, respect and the ability to deal carefully with people who are often already traumatised.
The figures highlighted the scale of the challenge. In addition to the 796 domestic violence cases recorded in 2025, police statistics show that 916 cases were reported in 2024, with 170 convictions. Against that backdrop, Ali-Hack stressed that how victims are spoken to, supported and guided through the system matters enormously, particularly in cases involving sexual offences and domestic abuse.
Speaking at the session held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, the DPP said victims of sexual violence in particular require special care because many come into court already carrying deep trauma. She urged prosecutors to ensure that complainants feel safe and supported when they are asked to give evidence, warning that poor treatment can push victims away from the pursuit of justice.
Her concerns were echoed by Senior Superintendent Nicola Kendall, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. Kendall said many cases do not fail because there is no evidence, but because victims are mishandled during the process or statements are not properly taken from the start. In her view, weak treatment of complainants can damage cases early and reduce the chances of a successful prosecution.
Kendall also underscored that a trauma-informed approach is not only about compassion, but about making the justice system work better. She said better treatment of victims can help strengthen investigations, preserve evidence and improve conviction rates.
More than 35 participants from across the country attended the training, which focused on improving how sensitive cases are managed within the justice system. Officials say the initiative is expected to strengthen case handling from investigation through prosecution and help ensure that justice is not only pursued, but achieved.
At the heart of the message from both officials was a simple point: victims of abuse should not have to fight the justice system while seeking justice through it.
