Guyana is facing a disturbing sexual violence crisis, with children and young women continuing to account for the majority of victims as more than 1,200 rape cases were reported to the Guyana Police Force between 2021 and 2025.
The figures were presented by Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, Dr. Cona Husbands, during a Sexual Assault Awareness Month symposium hosted by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. The event was held under the theme, “Looking Back, Moving Forward – Roadmap to Prevention of Sexual Abuse & Harassment.”
According to the agency’s five-year Statistical Sexual Violence Report, an average of 200 rape cases are reported annually across the country. Dr. Husbands described the figures as alarming, noting that Regions Three and Six accounted for more than half of the reported cases during the period under review.
Region Three, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, recorded the highest number of reports, with 253 cases. Region Six, East Berbice-Corentyne, followed closely with 243 cases.
The data showed that 2021 recorded the highest number of rape reports during the five-year period, with 262 cases. While annual reports generally remained around the 200 mark, 2025 showed a slight reduction in reported cases.
The report also identified seasonal patterns, with rape reports peaking in January and October before falling sharply in December.
Women and girls made up the overwhelming majority of victims, accounting for 94 percent of all reported sexual violence cases. Male victims represented about 5.5 percent, though Dr. Husbands noted that underreporting among boys and men remains a major concern due to several social and cultural factors.
For 2025 alone, 24 cases of sexual violence were reported to police. Of those victims, 96 percent were under the age of 18, pointing to the continued vulnerability of children. The alleged perpetrators were primarily male, with nearly half identified as family members.
Dr. Husbands also highlighted several prevention and response efforts being carried out by the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit and its partners. More than 4,000 police officers and 1,200 health workers have received training to better respond to sexual violence cases.
The agency has also worked with the Ministry of Education to train teachers and guidance counsellors, while outreach efforts have been extended to Indigenous communities through the training of Toshaos, village councillors, and more than 4,000 Indigenous persons.
Additionally, awareness sessions have been conducted in more than 200 schools across Guyana, reaching over 20,000 students.
Dr. Husbands said the Ministry’s 914 hotline remains an important support and reporting mechanism for survivors of sexual violence, especially children and other vulnerable persons in need of urgent assistance.
