Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Compared to other Caribbean countries, Guyana ranks highest in gender-based violence (GBV), specifically violence against women. Although national legislation has been enacted, GBV continues to be a major human rights & public health issue in Guyana due to implementation issues & the siloed nature of policies. The consequences of GBV are devastating. Women who experience GBV can develop immediate, acute, long-term & chronic health problems, including mental, physical, sexual & reproductive disorders. GBV is also associated with substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety & suicidal tendencies. Most research in South America & the Caribbean has focused on understanding GBV as a problem. Little is known about the obstacles encountered by Guyanese health, police & legal professionals when addressing GBV. Less is known about best practices for treating GBV in Guyanese health care settings, making it a priority research area. Funding for a 2-day Symposium bringing together key Knowledge Users actively working on GBV in Guyana will serve three objectives: 1.Research Dissemination: Disseminating findings from the UN Women's Health & Life Experiences Survey to a broad range of knowledge users who will be asked to provide recommendations for implementing findings and developing knowledge translation products. 2.Consultations with Key Knowledge Users: Implications of research findings, challenges accessing & providing GBV treatment & supports will be considered for each sector. Suggestions for a multi-sectoral approach to educate, prevent, address & treat GBV in Guyana will be discussed. 3.Planning for Future Research: Key knowledge users & international partners will develop collaborative, culturally-relevant, multi-sectoral implementation research ideas which address obstacles to accessing health care services as well as other supports for violence against women.