Mission

Non-Profit, 501(c)(3)

Mission: The Dragonfly Centre is committed to the elimination of domestic violence against women and their children by providing victim friendly services that promotes the empowerment of survivors; through advocacy, public awareness and education and community based initiatives.

Vision: The Dragonfly Centre envisions a world free of violence against women and their children and social justice for all. We are founded on the vision and belief that every person has the right to live in a safe environment free from violence and the fear of violence and strive to work collaboratively with the community to provide victim friendly services to support domestic violence victims, survivors to the stage of thriving.

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time

‘It was licks and more licks’

Penal mom speaks about abusive son-in-law

Published: Thu, 2011-11-24 20:42

Ruper Persad-Nathai and her mother Krishendaye Jaikaran

Bleeding from stab and chop wounds, Ruper Persad-Nathai fought off her cutlass-wielding brother-in-law, Premchan Ramrattan, and saved her family on Monday afternoon. Ramrattan, who committed suicide, went on a deadly mission at around 4 pm at the Scotts Road, Penal, home of his mother-in-law, Krishendaye Jaikaran, 62, whom he accused of wrecking his marriage. While some mourned Ramrattan’s death, Persad-Nathai was hailed a hero yesterday by Pundit Basdeo Jaikeran. Krishendaye said her daughter Kumaria Ramrattan, 38, fled her marital home three months ago with her seven-year-old daughter, Sarika. “She had no other place to go so she came here...My son-in-law came several times and wanted her to return home,” Krishendaye said.

However, Kumaria refused to return because she was afraid of Ramrattan. She revealed that Ramrattan would often beat Kumaria after he got drunk. “It was licks and more licks...One time he put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her,” Krishendaye said. On another occasion, he took a stick and beat her on the head. Krishendaye said Kumaria tried to make the marriage work for the sake of their children, but after the last beating, she decided to leave. The distraught wife fought for custody of her children and won the case, Krishendaye revealed. However, Ramrattan’s behaviour got worse.

“He would go where she work and curse...She had to hide in the Siparia Health Centre where she worked as a janitor,” Krishendaye added. Persad-Nathai said two years ago, Kumaria overdosed herself with sleeping pills. “She didn’t want to live anymore and she had to spend three days in the hospital,” Persad-Nathai said. On the day of the chopping, Krishendaye was resting on the couch when Ramrattan walked in with a cutlass. He chopped her across the neck and demanded to see his wife. Kumaria fled. Persad-Nathai said she got “super-strength” when she saw Ramrattan going to chop up her mother a second time.

They began fighting and it was only when another relative intervened that Ramrattan left. He went to Rochard Road, Penal, where he was found slumped behind the wheel of his car. An autopsy conducted on his body yesterday revealed that he died from ingestion of poison. Pundit Jaikeran said the incident was unfortunate as he had regularly counselled the couple. He described Ramrattan as abusive and possessive. Supt Franklin Sampath and ASP Rajkumar headed investigations.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2011/11/24/it-was-licks-and-more-licks

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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.