Sep 10, 2026
2 min read
Guyana recorded 209 rape cases in 2025 and 85 in the first half of 2026, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud disclosed on Wednesday, calling for greater accountability, faster responses and closer collaboration among agencies handling child sexual abuse and rape cases.
Minister Persaud made the call while delivering keynote remarks at the opening of a Child Sexual Abuse Workshop, hosted by the Ministry's Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU) at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre. The workshop brought together police officers, medical practitioners, child protection and probation officers, lawyers, school counsellors and other professionals involved in responding to cases of sexual violence.
"Child sexual abuse is a crime. It has always been a crime," Minister Persaud said, noting that while Guyana has recorded progress, sexual violence remains a serious concern.
"It is my fervent wish that we continue to see not only the reduction, but the complete eradication of rape cases in Guyana," she added.
The Minister said more must be done to strengthen every stage of the response process, particularly reporting, investigations, medical examinations, evidence collection and prosecution.
"We have to fix the weak links in the chain. And I say it unapologetically because we cannot be good unless everybody is doing their job to the best of their abilities," she said.
Minister Persaud called for rape kits to be readily available in every region, more medical personnel trained to conduct examinations, and case reports completed clearly and promptly. "There should be no delay in dealing with child matters when it relates to abuse. None," she stressed.
She also pointed to the strengthening of support systems, including Child Advocacy Centres in every region, the 24-hour 914 hotline, the iMatter app and Hope and Justice Centres, which provide survivors access to several services.
Persaud urged workshop participants to identify gaps, strengthen communication and improve the collective response to sexual violence. "We can have the best legislation and the best policy, but if we do not have that collective, collaborative, robust approach to cases of child sexual abuse, we will continue to see the numbers climb," she said.
She added that the ultimate objective remains to eradicate child sexual abuse and rape, and create safer environments where victims can confidently access protection, support and justice.
