Justice Education Society of British Columbia

Published purpose

This project seeks to deliver greater equality in access to justice for women and girls throughout Guyana, particularly empowering Indigenous women, and girls to be less vulnerable to violence. Project activities include: (1) training and coaching the Guyana Police Force in initial report taking using a trauma informed approach; (2) training police in the Sexual Offence Units on advanced sexual and gender-based violence interviewing and reporting; (3) training police, prosecutors and judiciary on gender bias and stereotypes for better delivery of gender-sensitive justice for women and girls who have been victims of sexual and gender-based violence; (4) training the police, prosecutors and judiciary on the use of forensic evidence and expert testimony in criminal cases; and (5) developing a training program on accessing and navigating the justice system directed at women and girls. The project directly benefits 12,000 women and girls living in remote, vulnerable communities, but it has an indirect impact on the lives of all women and girls who live in fear of sexual and gender-based violence in Guyana.