Ministry to launch Anger Management classes to help curb domestic violence

To assist domestic violence perpetrators to cope with their anger and keep their partners safe, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is in the process of launching a number of anger management classes, as well as setting up confidential help line services, to offer advice, information and support to the men and women, who abuse their partners.

This is among the information provided to the men of Region Three, when they engaged in an interactive session with the Men’s Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security and the Gender-based Violence Unit of the Ministry of Health at the West Demerara Secondary School on domestic violence.

The session which saw presentations from the Head, Men’s Affairs Bureau, Diego Alphonso, Coordinator of the Gender-based Violence Unit of Ministry of Health, Joy Gravesande and clinical psychologist and pro-guidance counsellor Dr. Mark Constantine, is part of an on-going effort, aimed at involving men in a discussion, as it relates to the scourge of domestic violence. The intended impact is on prevention through awareness and education.

Dr. Constantine spoke to the issue of domestic violence, why it happens, and the different forms of the abuse.

“Every action has an equal reaction; we need to understand what triggers these reactions,” said Dr. Constantine.

He further noted that the perpetrators need help. “There are many instances where they are remorseful after the act,” he pointed out.

Gender based violence is a historical phenomenon in many cultures with no limits of age, race, ideology, class or religion. In Guyana, the awareness of domestic violence against women is greatly emphasised, hence men need to be conscious as to what really is domestic violence and need to find other ways to deal with their anger and mental issues, he said.

Through these sessions the ministry is hoping that persons who need help will come forward, Alphonso said. His advice was that the men must not be a part of the problem but part of the solution.

[Extracted and modified from GINA]