Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Daughter accused of stabbing dad remanded in custody
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday:
Daughter accused of stabbing dad remanded in custody
Daughter accused of stabbing dad remanded in custody
By AZARD ALI Wednesday, October 26 2011
CHARGED with stabbing her father in the buttocks on Sunday, Tricia Shah was yesterday denied bail and remanded into custody by a magistrate in San Fernando.
Tricia, 29, appeared in court following arrest at her home on Commission Street, Mon Repos, San Fernando, by police officers acting on a report made by Tricia’s father, Nizam. Yesterday. Tricia was escorted by two female police officers at about 1.15 pm into the Sixth magistrates’ court where she appeared before magistrate Rehana Hosein.
The charge was read to Tricia, a former registered nurse, that on Sunday she maliciously wounded Nizam, at their home. The charge stemmed from an incident in which an argument ensued between the father and daughter, during which the accused stabbed Shah in the buttocks.
Yesterday, attorney Carol Cuffy-Dowlat represented Tricia, whom she said was a former registered nurse.
The attorney asked for bail to be granted, but she also told the magistrate that the father, who had sought medical treatment for the injury, was concerned about his daughter.
Cuffy-Dowlat said that she was of the view that the accused daughter was in need of medical treatment for what seemed as a possible abuse of drugs.
Suggestions that Shah should perhaps stay at the Piparo Empowerment Centre, was made by the attorney, but the police court prosecutor Sgt Dwight Hall, told the magistrate that he was concerned about the accused being free to roam. “If she is in need of treatment, it might be more appropriate to have her incarcerated somewhere,” Halls told Hosein.
Cuffy-Dowlat and Halls, agreed that Tricia be remanded into custody at St Anns Hospital, where she is to be treated appropriately, and to re-appear on November 8.
The charge was read to Tricia, a former registered nurse, that on Sunday she maliciously wounded Nizam, at their home. The charge stemmed from an incident in which an argument ensued between the father and daughter, during which the accused stabbed Shah in the buttocks.
Yesterday, attorney Carol Cuffy-Dowlat represented Tricia, whom she said was a former registered nurse.
The attorney asked for bail to be granted, but she also told the magistrate that the father, who had sought medical treatment for the injury, was concerned about his daughter.
Cuffy-Dowlat said that she was of the view that the accused daughter was in need of medical treatment for what seemed as a possible abuse of drugs.
Suggestions that Shah should perhaps stay at the Piparo Empowerment Centre, was made by the attorney, but the police court prosecutor Sgt Dwight Hall, told the magistrate that he was concerned about the accused being free to roam. “If she is in need of treatment, it might be more appropriate to have her incarcerated somewhere,” Halls told Hosein.
Cuffy-Dowlat and Halls, agreed that Tricia be remanded into custody at St Anns Hospital, where she is to be treated appropriately, and to re-appear on November 8.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
'Rise in domestic violence during SoE was predictable'
Trinidad Express Newspaper:
'Rise in domestic violence during SoE was predictable'
By Kim Boodram
Women and children's affairs activist, Hazel Brown, said she was shocked that local authorities on domestic violence did not forsee a rise in this activity when a State of Emergency was declared by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on August 20.
Brown said in an interview Saturday there were people in authority who should have known that the home is one of the least safe places for women and children in Trinidad and Tobago society.
Since the start of the SoE, three women and one man have been killed in domestic disputes.
On August 25, Kareem Alexander, 28, of Connector Road, Felicity, Chaguanas, was stabbed in the back by a female relative during an argument at his home. He died at the Chaguanas Health Facility.
On August 31, Carol Walcott was found dead at her home at Demerara Heights, Arima. She was lying face down on her bed, blood oozing from her mouth. An autopsy revealed that she died from blunt force trauma to the head but her death remains inconclusive.
On September 3, Karensa Diamond was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by her boyfriend, Nigel Castillo, who later committed suicide.
On September 6, Felicia Samsundar, 22, of Hermitage Village, Macaulay, was beaten and strangled to death with a telephone charger during a domestic dispute at a guest house in Tobago.
On September 9, Sohanie Ramsundar, 37, a mother of four was found with her throat slit. Her death is also being treated as a domestic matter.
The SOE came with a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew until last Monday, when it was changed to 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with an SoE extension of three months.
"One of the justification for the State of Emergency, given by people who should know better, is that it would improve family life by having men stay at home," said Brown, Co-ordinator of the Network of Non-governmental Organisations.
"There is a total lack of thinking when they make these statements.
"I wonder if they haven't been told that the most unsafe place for women and children is the home. But we don't, as a society, place importance on women and children and we do not treat domestic violence as a crime. If it does not involve robbery and so on, we do not see it as a crime." Brown said it was another unfortunate fact that "nothing will be learned" from the incidents during this period.
"Anything that requires the perpetrators of crimes to spend more time at home is a recipe for what we are seeing," she added.
"And not all are reported, not when there are more important things like guns to put in the papers."
Brown said there continues to be nothing but "pronouncements" on the issue of domestic violence, without any real action to mitigate existing situations and prevent further abuse from developing. Families are not being offered the opportunities to learn the art of negotiation and mediation, she said, so that they can diffuse tension in the home and hopefully prevent violence.
"If you can't walk away, what do you do? Most of the time, it is 'I want something and you want something else', so how do you find the middle ground? Some people have to be taught how to do that," Brown said.
"When you talk about domestic violence, it should also be about helping people to develop those skills of negotiation."
There is also a lack of intervention by other individuals because communities are no longer empowered like they used to be.
There are still some pockets around the country where small communities are empowered in that way and still consult one another on domestic and community issues but this is mostly a lost tradition," Brown said.
"In order for someone to intervene, you have to know what you are doing," she said.
Brown added:
"The people who shocked me the most were the so-called psychiatrists who made statements about the curfew improving family life. Unless they have done something about remedying the domestic violence situation that we don't know about."
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_Rise_in_domestic_violence_during_SoE_was_predictable_-129628428.html
Monday, October 24, 2011
Too many, too often
Psychologist: Almost half of T&T's women in abusive relationships
By Sue-Ann Wayow sue-ann.wayow@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Oct 2, 2011 at 1:49 AM ECTStory Updated: Oct 2, 2011 at 1:49 AM ECT
 |
| MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Psychologist Brenda Jeffers stands next to her poster which was voted as the best by attendees at the recently held Institute of Violence, Abuse and Trauma 16th international conference at San Diego, California, USA. |
ALMOST half of the nation's women, rich and poor, who are involved in intimate relationships, are being abused, according to a study done by clinical psychologist Brenda Jeffers.
And many do not even know that they are victims, said Jeffers.
The study, completed in 2008, showed that the women interviewed suffered from physical, physiological and sexual abuse.
Jeffers is the clinical director of the Piparo Empowerment Centre that assists people dealing with substance abuse and addictions.
Jeffers was accepted along with her co-author and supervisor Professor Dr Gerard Hutchinson to participate at the 16th International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma held at Alliant International University, San Diego, California, last month.
Jeffers won the People's Choice Award for the poster that she presented.
The study: "Battered Women in Trinidad: A Survey of Intimate Partner Violence," was the first study of its kind undertaken locally.
The findings presented had been undertaken as a research project for the requirements for the Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, which Jeffers completed in 2008. This Masters programme was recently introduced at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies.
Jeffers said she developed an interest in understanding the various dimensions of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the Trinidad population because of the often reported incidents of IPV.
The study surveyed two groups of women, samples of women from the prison and battered-women shelters, and the general community.
Jeffers said 46 per cent of the women interviewed from the community were considered to be battered.
She said, "I think that culturally we are a nation that generally tolerates abuse. When I say tolerate the abuse, some of the women are not even aware that they are abused. For instance psychological abuse is abuse; they don't classify a man controlling and telling you how to think and how to behave as abuse. They see it as alright that the man's wish is at my command, and even sexually."
She said, "A lot of women are abused sexually within the intimate relationship and they don't classify it as abuse. The man does abusive things."
Jeffers said battered women suffered from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria, sexual and intimacy problems, difficulties with body image and disrupted interpersonal relationships.
She said IPV needed to be recognised as a major problem in this country as it was internationally and more research was needed in the field.
"We need to see culturally what is needed in Trinidad as opposed to what the abuse might be like in the US so that we could treat the women better."
Jeffers said, "For instance a woman might go to the hospital for a broken arm. We need to have proper screening to find out if that was a result of abuse and help her to escape that relationship or escape that situation or deal with it in a positive way."
She said women also needed to be educated about what a healthy relationship should be, hence the need for the research.
Jeffers said she had plans to do additional research "so that the appropriate intervention strategies can be developed".
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Too_many__too_often-130927963.html
And many do not even know that they are victims, said Jeffers.
The study, completed in 2008, showed that the women interviewed suffered from physical, physiological and sexual abuse.
Jeffers is the clinical director of the Piparo Empowerment Centre that assists people dealing with substance abuse and addictions.
Jeffers was accepted along with her co-author and supervisor Professor Dr Gerard Hutchinson to participate at the 16th International Conference on Violence, Abuse & Trauma held at Alliant International University, San Diego, California, last month.
Jeffers won the People's Choice Award for the poster that she presented.
The study: "Battered Women in Trinidad: A Survey of Intimate Partner Violence," was the first study of its kind undertaken locally.
The findings presented had been undertaken as a research project for the requirements for the Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, which Jeffers completed in 2008. This Masters programme was recently introduced at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies.
Jeffers said she developed an interest in understanding the various dimensions of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the Trinidad population because of the often reported incidents of IPV.
The study surveyed two groups of women, samples of women from the prison and battered-women shelters, and the general community.
Jeffers said 46 per cent of the women interviewed from the community were considered to be battered.
She said, "I think that culturally we are a nation that generally tolerates abuse. When I say tolerate the abuse, some of the women are not even aware that they are abused. For instance psychological abuse is abuse; they don't classify a man controlling and telling you how to think and how to behave as abuse. They see it as alright that the man's wish is at my command, and even sexually."
She said, "A lot of women are abused sexually within the intimate relationship and they don't classify it as abuse. The man does abusive things."
Jeffers said battered women suffered from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria, sexual and intimacy problems, difficulties with body image and disrupted interpersonal relationships.
She said IPV needed to be recognised as a major problem in this country as it was internationally and more research was needed in the field.
"We need to see culturally what is needed in Trinidad as opposed to what the abuse might be like in the US so that we could treat the women better."
Jeffers said, "For instance a woman might go to the hospital for a broken arm. We need to have proper screening to find out if that was a result of abuse and help her to escape that relationship or escape that situation or deal with it in a positive way."
She said women also needed to be educated about what a healthy relationship should be, hence the need for the research.
Jeffers said she had plans to do additional research "so that the appropriate intervention strategies can be developed".
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Too_many__too_often-130927963.html
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A Little Background…
In 2007 I was introduced to the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a beautiful tropical country located in the southern most part of the Caribbean archipelago. However, the opportunity to travel to this part of the world would not present itself until March of 2009. It was an incredible experience to be able to visit a country where I had never been before and I literally knew no-one. I had the privilege to experience a new culture and meet many wonderful people who made my trip an amazing experience. Although the purpose of my visit was recreational, something happened that changed all of that. One evening while on a hike with my tour guide and one of the locals at The ASA Wright Nature Centre, one of the men asked me where I was from and what I did for a living. It was at that moment that I disclosed that I was a Domestic Violence Advocate. He paused, looked at me and replied,… “we need you here”. At that moment I did not fully understand what he meant or how I could help.
A few days after this I visited one of the local court houses to learn about how someone could obtain a protection order. What I discovered disturbed me greatly, to say the least. The process by which abused individuals could obtain legal protections left much to be desired. This sparked grave concern for victims coupled with a desire to learn more about the local system and services. After I finished my travels all I could think about was the need of the people in Trinidad and Tobago. It was shortly after my return to the United States that the Dragonfly Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Transformation began to take form. While completing my Bachelors degree at Evergreen College, I developed an Individual Learning Contract entitled “Domestic Violence in Trinidad and Tobago” and was awarded The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This allowed me to return to Trinidad and Tobago for my final quarter at the end of December of 2009 for my nine week study. My focus was on services addressing domestic violence. What I came away with was the echoing cries for help by the people who freely shared their personal views and stories. Although I wasn’t quite sure what, I knew I had to do something. As a consequence, it was these cries that gave birth to and helped shape the Dragonfly Centre to be what it is, a multifaceted institution with a focus on public education, shaping public policy and providing direct victim friendly services to support families dealing with domestic violence.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Violence against children
Violence against children
By VERDEL BISHOP Monday, October 10 2011
Violence against children is one of the most serious issues affecting young people today. A UNICEF study defines violence as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, that results or is likely to result in injury, death, psychological harm, mal-development or deprivation.
According to a publication of the United Nations Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, which highlighted the scale of the problem and its devastating consequences, 80,000 children die annually in Latin American and the Caribbean as a consequence of domestic violence. The 2006 report states that many children are daily exposed to physical, sexual and psychological violence in their homes and schools, in the protection and justice systems, in the workplaces and in their communities, causing devastating consequences for their health and welfare.
The study reported that every day, in every country, girls and boys suffer and witness violence. Violence against children cuts across boundaries of culture, class, education, income and ethnic origin, and occurs in many different settings. Some of it is allowed by national laws and may be rooted in cultural, economic and social practices.
Recently, leaders of religious coordination bodies (RBCs) and national inter-religious councils/organisations in the Caribbean, representatives of Religions for Peace in Latin America and the Caribbean, UNICEF and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), as well as experts addressed the issue of violence against children at the Third Meeting of the Caribbean Inter-Religious Network – Religions for Peace and the Training Workshop for National Inter-Religious Councils in the Caribbean.Using the guide “From commitment to action: What religious communities can do to eliminate violence against children” as study material, participants were trained to identify the context or environment of the problem, analyse their causes, factors and consequences, define operational objectives and required actions, know available means, techniques and resources, and establish expected goals and achievements.
During her address, Vice-President of the Senate Lyndira Oudit said every act of violence against a child is an act against every human and spiritual law that governs us all. She said violence, especially against those unable to defend themselves must never bee seen as merely abstract or philosophical.
She noted that if we are to truly address the question of violence against children, there must be a connection between peace and the establishment of a protocol of peace and the connection between poverty, deprivation, violence and peace for all our human family, especially for children.
Oudit said; “For many, peace begins with food, water, shelter and health care. Violence often accompanies a lack of these essentials. For some people, peace begins with education and employment, very often violence is the result of inadequate or inappropriate learning. Peace is a safe home and loving hands that protect our children.”
She continued, “It is the right of our society to protect and support the common good; our children are our common good. We as pastors, imams, pundits and other religious leaders...we do have a God-given opportunity, a God-given responsibility to shape and fashion family life and above all the centre of family–the formation of our children.”
Oudit said as this country prepares itself to face significant global, economic and social changes, rapid technological and demographic restructuring, a new approach to societal violence is needed.
“We can no longer accept the idea of individualism, either of person or country. We are part of a global network that forces us towards active participation in generation solutions to problems that we, as global residents have created,” Oudit said.
She noted that religion is a crucial channel through which the cords of social need and social solution must pass.
First-vice president of the IRO and Anglican priest, Canon Knolly Clarke said prevalence of abuse and violence usually starts in the home. He noted, quoting from an Ashanti proverb that the ruin of a nation begins in the home. He went on to explain that family life is crucial to child development and formation.
Clarke said religious leaders were blessed with the opportunity to play an instrumental role in a child’s life until adulthood.
The study reported that every day, in every country, girls and boys suffer and witness violence. Violence against children cuts across boundaries of culture, class, education, income and ethnic origin, and occurs in many different settings. Some of it is allowed by national laws and may be rooted in cultural, economic and social practices.
Recently, leaders of religious coordination bodies (RBCs) and national inter-religious councils/organisations in the Caribbean, representatives of Religions for Peace in Latin America and the Caribbean, UNICEF and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), as well as experts addressed the issue of violence against children at the Third Meeting of the Caribbean Inter-Religious Network – Religions for Peace and the Training Workshop for National Inter-Religious Councils in the Caribbean.Using the guide “From commitment to action: What religious communities can do to eliminate violence against children” as study material, participants were trained to identify the context or environment of the problem, analyse their causes, factors and consequences, define operational objectives and required actions, know available means, techniques and resources, and establish expected goals and achievements.
During her address, Vice-President of the Senate Lyndira Oudit said every act of violence against a child is an act against every human and spiritual law that governs us all. She said violence, especially against those unable to defend themselves must never bee seen as merely abstract or philosophical.
She noted that if we are to truly address the question of violence against children, there must be a connection between peace and the establishment of a protocol of peace and the connection between poverty, deprivation, violence and peace for all our human family, especially for children.
Oudit said; “For many, peace begins with food, water, shelter and health care. Violence often accompanies a lack of these essentials. For some people, peace begins with education and employment, very often violence is the result of inadequate or inappropriate learning. Peace is a safe home and loving hands that protect our children.”
She continued, “It is the right of our society to protect and support the common good; our children are our common good. We as pastors, imams, pundits and other religious leaders...we do have a God-given opportunity, a God-given responsibility to shape and fashion family life and above all the centre of family–the formation of our children.”
Oudit said as this country prepares itself to face significant global, economic and social changes, rapid technological and demographic restructuring, a new approach to societal violence is needed.
“We can no longer accept the idea of individualism, either of person or country. We are part of a global network that forces us towards active participation in generation solutions to problems that we, as global residents have created,” Oudit said.
She noted that religion is a crucial channel through which the cords of social need and social solution must pass.
First-vice president of the IRO and Anglican priest, Canon Knolly Clarke said prevalence of abuse and violence usually starts in the home. He noted, quoting from an Ashanti proverb that the ruin of a nation begins in the home. He went on to explain that family life is crucial to child development and formation.
Clarke said religious leaders were blessed with the opportunity to play an instrumental role in a child’s life until adulthood.
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