Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud is calling on parents and guardians who are struggling with family issues to access the ministry’s support services, warning that unresolved emotional trauma is contributing to problems affecting homes and communities across Guyana.
Speaking during a discussion on family relationships and child welfare, Persaud said many cases of violence, bullying and abuse can be traced to deeper emotional wounds that remain unaddressed.
“We often hear the phrase, ‘hurt people hurt people,’ but if we’re being completely honest, it goes much deeper than that. In fact, I think untreated pain passes down,” she said.
The minister expressed concern over what she described as growing levels of aggression among both children and adults, noting that emotional and verbal abuse are often overlooked despite their long-term effects.
“We are seeing children fighting children, bullying each other. We are seeing parents and children going at it. I am seeing parents supposedly disciplining children, but to my mind, it looks totally like abuse. It is abuse,” Persaud stated.
She noted that harmful behaviour within families is frequently dismissed once children are provided with basic necessities, even when emotional neglect is present.
According to Persaud, many children have reported being insulted and humiliated by their own parents, experiences she said can leave lasting psychological scars.
The minister also reiterated her opposition to public shaming and other forms of degrading punishment.
“I do not support embarrassing children and young people in front of their peers, or in front of the public, or in front of anybody. These things have such deep-seated scars,” she remarked.
Persaud encouraged families facing difficulties to make use of the ministry’s programmes, including parenting classes, the Family Enhancement Service, the Child Protection Agency and the probation programme.
“We have parenting programmes. We have parenting classes. And I want to encourage parents to reach out to us if they feel overwhelmed,” she said.
While stressing that support services are available, the minister said addressing family dysfunction and abuse requires a collective effort from society.
“This is not a one-man solution or a one-woman solution. This is a solution that our country has to find, because it deals with people. It deals with homes. It deals with families,” Persaud said.
She added that the conversation will continue through community engagements around the country, beginning in Region Two, where residents will have the opportunity to share concerns and discuss solutions.
