ALP Demands Urgent Action Amid Alarming Rise in Violence Against Women and Children

The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) is sounding the alarm over the escalating violence against women and children in Guyana and the disturbing number of missing children cases that remain unresolved. In a press statement released Friday, the party criticised what it called the government’s “wholly insufficient” response and demanded immediate, transparent action from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

“Families remain in anguish, still waiting for answers, while the public has been given little clarity on the status of these cases,” the ALP stated. While general condemnations from the Ministry have been issued, the ALP insists that without real-time data and case updates, there can be no meaningful accountability or assurance that victims are being protected.

The scale of the crisis is supported by troubling data. According to the Child Care and Protection Agency, over 300 abuse cases are reported every month in Guyana, with more than 70% involving children under the age of 18. In 2024 alone, 4,038 child abuse cases were recorded — 1,200 of which involved sexual abuse. Moreover, the Guyana Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey (WHLES) revealed that 55% of Guyanese women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. These figures underscore the urgent need for enforcement of protective laws and transparency from government agencies.

The ALP emphasised that the Family Violence Act 2024, enacted to safeguard women and children, must now be implemented in practice — not merely cited in press releases. To that end, the party has outlined a series of demands, including:

• The public release of complete, updated statistics on violence, abuse, and missing children

• Case-specific updates to reassure families and the public

• A public register of convicted rapists and sexual predators

• Detailed, accessible reporting on convictions and sentencing

• Evidence of how the Family Violence Act 2024 is actively protecting victims

“No woman or child in Guyana should be left unprotected, unheard, or without answers,” the statement read. The ALP called on the Ministry to act swiftly to restore public trust and ensure that justice is not just promised — but delivered.

The party concluded by urging a united national response to protect the most vulnerable in society, stating, “A good change for every Guyanese begins with safety, dignity, and justice.”

See full statement below: