Like the global #MeToo movement, Guyana’s 2010 Sexual Offences Act was instrumental in bringing about societal change in the attitude to abuse against women and girls in the country. Now, we need to ensure that we give boys experiencing sexual violence the same level of support. Blue Umbrella Day can help achieve that.
When the Sexual Offences Act was passed into law in Guyana it marked a cultural turning point for survivors of sexual violence. Until the 2010 act, there was no charge for the rape of a male child in Guyana. Now, successful prosecutions could result in life imprisonment for the perpetrator.
Globally, 1 in 13 boys experience sexual violence or exploitation before the age of 18. A UNICEF report into the sexual exploitation of boys noted that social norms are found to discourage boys from reporting sexual exploitation, make them less likely to be identified as victims, and have their abuse downplayed.