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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Sunday, January 1, 2012

‘Plannass’ Attack - The Attack With the Side of a Cutlass (Machete)

Man to pay wife $1,500 for ‘plannass’ attack

Published: Friday, December 30, 2011

Reshma Ragoonath

A Pleasantville father openly declared his love for his wife yesterday after pleading guilty to plannassing her with a cutlass on Christmas Day as she held their two-month-old son. However, security guard Wendell Scipio, 27, was refused bail when he appeared before San Fernando Magistrate Annette Mc Kenzie charged with two counts of assaulting his infant son, Joshua. Scipio, who was moved to tears, begged for forgiveness from his wife, Whitney Edwards, after pleading guilty to two counts of assault against her.

“I am very sorry to my wife for what happened. I love she and I love my child. I does take care of my child. If she could forgive me for everything that happened,” he sobbed. Mc Kenzie had asked for a medical certificate to determine Edwards’ injuries in the attack. However, court prosecutor, Ramdath Phillip, said Woman Police Constable Langley, who charged Scipio, was unable to secure one from the doctor who attended her. On Wednesday, Scipio appeared before the court charged with assaulting Edwards on December 25 at their home on Falcon Crest, Pleasantville. He also was charged with assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was also charged with the same offences which were allegedly committed on the couple’s infant son. Scipio was ordered to pay $1,500 in compensation to Edwards or serve four weeks simple imprisonment. He was fined $2,000 or 45 days hard labour. He was reprimanded and discharged on the assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

Scipio pleaded not guilty to the charges relating to his son. He will reappear in court on those charges on January 26. He was advised of his right to apply to a judge in chambers. The couple was at their home around 11 pm on Christmas night when an argument broke out, He took up a cutlass and beat Edwards. He also cuffed her while she held their son. She received abrasions while her son was allegedly hurt in the altercation.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/man-pay-wife-1500-%E2%80%98plannass%E2%80%99-attack

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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.