Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, expressed serious concerns about the treatment of men seeking help for abuse at police stations. Speaking at the Men’s Wellness Symposium at Herdmanston Lodge, she highlighted that ridicule and mockery often deter men from reporting their experiences.
Dr. Persaud noted that when men muster the courage to report abuse, they should not be dismissed or laughed at. “That moment is gone if they are mocked,” she warned, emphasizing the need for reform in police interactions with male victims.
She pointed out a promising trend: while the 914 hotline was primarily used by women in the past, there has been an increase in male callers this year, indicating progress. However, the negative treatment some men receive at police stations continues to undermine this progress.
Dr. Persaud urged the public to challenge harmful attitudes and promote open discussions among men about their experiences. She reiterated that support services, including the 914 hotline and counselling, are available to everyone, not just women.
Additionally, she called for a generational shift in societal perceptions of gender roles, stating, “We should not accept abuse, violence, or disrespect.”
To improve reporting procedures, Dr. Persaud announced that police have been trained under the COPSQUAD initiative and further reforms are forthcoming. Next year, a QR code will be introduced to allow civilians to report their interactions with police, and a nationwide campaign will enhance facilities for gender-based matters in police stations.
