A 25-year-old Berbice man has been arrested and remanded to prison following years of alleged domestic abuse against his partner, in a case that has sparked renewed calls for action against gender-based violence in Guyana.

Karran Sukhan, of #2 Village, East Canje Berbice, was taken into custody Thursday evening after his partner, Joanna Ramoutar, publicly shared her harrowing six-year ordeal of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Ramoutar, a mother of two, broke her silence on social media, detailing the escalating violence she endured since the relationship began in 2018. She described being beaten with hoses, pelted with household items, and subjected to terrifying threats—even during pregnancy.

Despite filing multiple police reports over the years, Ramoutar said her pleas for help were initially ignored, and she and her children were left isolated and fearful as Sukhan allegedly went into hiding. The situation changed after her public disclosure, which prompted swift intervention from the authorities.

Sukhan was charged with six offences, including assault causing bodily harm, threatening language, and threatening behavior, all reportedly committed on June 6 at their East Canje residence. He appeared before Magistrate Michelle Mathias at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until his next court appearance on June 23.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has since dispatched a specialized team to provide support to Ramoutar and her children, reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring victims receive comprehensive care.

The case has galvanized public attention, with police officials promising disciplinary action against officers who failed to respond appropriately to earlier complaints. Authorities have reiterated their dedication to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable, as investigations into the matter continue.