The Hope and Justice Centres, established in 2024, have documented nearly 400 cases, offering support in areas such as domestic violence, childcare, legal assistance, and elderly abuse.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security said the centres are more than response hubs, serving as safe spaces that provide communities with critical resources.
The Lusignan Hope and Justice Centre, launched in January last year, has been at the forefront of that work. Public Relations Officer Aviso Paul said dedicated professionals are working tirelessly to support victims of gender-based violence.
Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit, Dr. Cona Husbands, said the facility operates in collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Services include counselling, an on-site police officer to take reports, and medical attention for victims of gender-based violence.
“We do have a nurse on site to take that information, and also if it’s something more serious we have collaborated with the Ministry of Health for them to get that service at our nearest health centre or the hospital if needed. Additional to that, we also have our legal services. We have a lawyer on site to offer legal counsel on all of these matters,” Husbands said
She added that the lawyer guides citizens on procedures for restraining orders and other abuse-related matters.
Attorney-at-Law Thalia Thompson said lawyers volunteer at the centre to provide legal advice.
“Specifically in areas involving domestic violence. While the Hope and Justice Centre deals mainly with domestic violence, it is not closed off to that specific area of law alone. We offer legal advice in relation to other areas of law– if persons are so interested,” she said.
Those areas range from property matters to custody issues, but Thompson noted that while legal advice and referrals are offered, legal representation is not provided.
She stressed that referrals are made to the relevant agencies.
