Minister Persaud Flags Marginal Dip in 2026 Sexual Abuse Reports
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — While preliminary data for the first quarter of 2026 indicates a slight decrease in reported sexual abuse cases, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud is urging the public not to read the figures at face value. Speaking on the complexities of crime statistics, the Minister noted that a “dip” on paper does not always equate to a reduction of violence in homes and communities.
According to Dr. Persaud, the early numbers for 2026 show a decline of at least 30 cases when compared to the corresponding period in 2025. However, she emphasized that these figures must be viewed against the backdrop of Guyana’s reporting evolution over the last seven years.
The Reporting Paradox: 2019–2026
The Minister provided a detailed look at the statistical trends, arguing that the high numbers seen in recent years are actually a sign of a “breaking silence” rather than an increase in the frequency of abuse.
- The Baseline (2019–2020): Annual reports averaged just above 130 cases. During this time, reporting infrastructure was limited.
- The Surge (2021–2025): Figures climbed significantly, ranging between 200 and 240 cases per year.
- The Reason: Dr. Persaud attributes this rise to the introduction of the 914 hotline, the iMatter app, and more robust reporting channels. “What we found was that a lot of people might have been experiencing this but they were not reporting because they didn’t feel anything would happen,” she explained.
Closing the Education Gap
A primary concern for the Ministry remains the public’s understanding of the legal definitions of sexual assault, specifically regarding the concept of consent.
- The “Power of No”: Dr. Persaud highlighted that many individuals fail to realize that once consent is withheld or withdrawn, a legal line has been crossed.
- Targeted Outreach: A new national campaign for 2026 will focus specifically on schools and institutions, reinforcing the message that “No means No” regardless of the setting or relationship.
- Legal Literacy: The Ministry aims to ensure that victims understand that the law is designed to protect them the moment an act becomes non-consensual.
Safety Influences Statistics
For Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the ultimate goal is not just to see the numbers go down, but to ensure the systems that facilitate reporting are so strong that victims feel safe enough to speak. As the Ministry continues to strengthen its awareness efforts, the message remains clear: sexual abuse figures cannot be separated from the trust victims place in the justice system. The 2026 campaign represents the next phase in moving Guyana from a culture of silence to one of informed consent and accountability.
