Caribbean Human Development - Crime Hinders Development

Uploaded by undp on Feb 8, 2012

 

Crime has become one of the main challenges threatening economies and livelihoods in Caribbean countries, but the right mix of policies and programmes can halt the problem, according to the Caribbean Human Development Report 2012 launched here today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The report, Human Development and the Shift to Better Citizen Security, says that with the exception of Barbados and Suriname, homicide rates including gang-related killings have increased substantially in the last 12 years across the Caribbean, while they have been falling or stabilizing in other parts of the world.

Although murder rates are exceedingly high by world standards, the report says that Caribbean governments can reverse the trend, calling for regional governments to beef up public institutions to tackle crime and violence —including the criminal justice system—while boosting preventive measures.

"Violence limits people's choices, threatens their physical integrity, and disrupts their daily lives," said UNDP Administrator Helen Clark at the report's launch ceremony with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Heraldo Muñoz.

"This report stresses the need to rethink our approaches to tackling crime and violence and providing security on the ground. We need to follow approaches that are centered on citizen security and address the causes of this recent increase in violent crime, including social, economic, and political exclusion," Helen Clark said.

The new study recommends that Caribbean governments implement youth crime prevention through education, as well as provide employment opportunities that target the marginalized urban poor. A shift in focus is needed it says, from a state protection approach to one that focuses on citizen security and participation, promoting law enforcement that is fair, accountable, and more respectful of human rights.
The Caribbean Human Development Report reviews the current state of crime as well as national and regional policies and programmes to address the problem in seven English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Tackling the problem
Latin America and the Caribbean are home to 8.5 percent of the world population, yet the region accounts for some 27 percent of the world's homicides. Even though the total number of murders in Jamaica dropped after the report's completion to 1,124 in 2011, a seven-year low, the country has the highest homicide rate in the Caribbean and the third-highest murder rate worldwide in recent years, with about 60 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. This is surpassed by only two Central American countries, El Salvador and Honduras with 66 and 82.1 murders respectively per 100,000 people says the report, citing UN Office on Drugs and Crime figures. In Trinidad and Tobago, the report notes that murder rates increased five-fold over a decade, to more than 40 per 100,000 in 2008, and then declined to 36 in 2010.

The report states that gang-related homicides in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are "substantial and increasing": The number almost doubled in both countries from 2006-2009. In 2006, Jamaica experienced 1,303 homicides, of which 32.5 percent were gang-related. By 2009, the number of homicides had increased by 377; 48.1 percent were gang-related. In 2006, Trinidad and Tobago experienced 371 homicides, 26.4 percent gang-related; by 2009 the country reported 506 homicides, 34.8 percent gang-related.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) estimates reveal the cost of gang-related crime is between 2.8 percent and four percent of gross domestic product in the region through both the cost of policing and as a result of lost income from youth incarceration and reduced tourism. According to the study, crime costs Jamaica alone over US$529 million a year in lost income. In Trinidad and Tobago, a one percent reduction in youth crime would boost tourism revenue by US$35 million per year. For every additional "gang" in a community, homicide rates increased by about 10 percent, according to a recent research featured in the Caribbean Human Development Report.

Crime erodes confidence in future development, reduces the competitiveness of existing industries and services, for example, by imposing burdensome security—and may deter investment, the report says. Education and health care also suffer when resources are diverted to law enforcement.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pFPGLKVxpo

 

Women taking control in Guayaguayare

By By Afiya Ray

Story Created: Mar 24, 2012 at 12:36 AM ECT

Members of the SWOTS programme.

Story Updated: Mar 24, 2012 at 12:36 AM ECT

There is a buzz that has started among the women in the Mayaro and Guayaguayare communities about an outreach programme targeting female empowerment and self development.
This programme, Successful Women On Towards Self Reliance (SWOTS), is by no means a new one, as it is an initiative that has been championed by its sponsor, the Neal & Massy Wood Group since 2008. However, it has earned such rave reviews in the past four years that many young women in the community are clamoring to sign on to the programme.
In an interview with Express Woman recently, Programme Coordinator Dalia Watson, a community liaison officer with Neal & Massy Wood Group, said SWOTS was designed as an outreach programme to target young single mothers, adolescent females and mothers of adolescent females. She said the programme proposes to promote and offer learning experiences which facilitate empowerment, self development and self reliance.
"The objective is to empower women to take control of their lives as well as their children and to utilize new ideas which meet the needs of a changing community," Watson said.
To date she said the programme, which has taken the form of workshops, seminars and training initiatives, has helped women to build higher levels of self esteem and develop a positive awareness of themselves; to pursue academic development and seek career growth; develop interpersonal skills and to embrace change allowing them to take on new roles within their families and their community.
"More women in these communities are now empowered to take an active role in positive community development," she said proudly.
The SWOTS Programme was started in April 2008 and executed in developmental phases. Today, SWOTS consists of a leadership team, which includes Watson as the Programme Coordinator, three administrators and five executive members.
The administrators, Bernadette Fonrose, Carol Murray and Alda Suzano are required to participate in conduct house to visits and build collaborative relationships with women in the community, to participate in and lend support at the sessions and ensure full attendance by all participants. The Executive Members support this role.
"SWOTS is a versatile programme that has been developed to meet the needs of every woman," Watson explained. "For mothers with young children, we also have child care assistants who are required to oversee their children and create a curriculum to promote child development while the mothers participate in the SWOTS programme.
The feedback for the programme in the community has been positive.
President of the SWOTS Executive Committee, Mahalia Richardson is a self-employed seamstress.
She said, "This programme really built my self-esteem. I feel very proud today.
I am pursuing my dream and, with a little help, I am sure to open my own business one day at a professional level. I am really good at doing things with my hands and by attending the programme I have built the confidence to share my talent and skills in my community."
Sandra Edwards said the programme also helped her to pursue her academic development.
"I am someone who can achieve anything that I set out to do," she smiled. "I am a proud graduate of the ALTA programme which allows me to take an active role in my children's education. By participating in the programme, I learnt to face my fears and control my emotions in a positive way. I have also taken the step to become employed to assist my family. I began as a laborer and was promoted to a Fire Watch on the N.G.C. Neo–Tobago Pipeline Project with a subcontractor."
Mayaro resident, Beverly Rollingson said, "I joined this programme because of its nature. I am a resident of Mayaro and have never heard or seen this type of programme being offered here. I must say that it is well structured to address the needs of women in my community. I always encourage the young folk to get themselves involved in things that will benefit you in the long run. I saw the opportunity to learn, share and communicate with different cultures with the women in my community."
Rollingson said after participating in the programme, she was encouraged to approach her employers in a professional manner which brought rewards.
"I am now the supervisor at my job with Bayfield Ltd," she said. "I supervise the employees that are the house keepers, cooks and janitors at three locations. I have established my business and provide catering services in the community. I will continue to encourage other women like me and younger women to gasp the opportunity which lies ahead with being part of the programme."

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/Women_taking_control_in_Guayaguayare-144065506.html

Case Update: The Altercation Quickly Escalated

CASE UPDATE:

Brother in court for murder of brother

By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Thursday, March 22 2012

Twenty-three-year old Ronald Joseph yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, charged for his brother’s murder.

It was alleged on March 14 last, at his home along Finch Drive, River Estate, Diego Martin, Joseph did kill his brother, 25-year-old Jeremy Joseph, who also lived at the same address.

The charge was laid indictably and the accused was not called upon to enter a plea.

While at yesterday’s hearing the murder accused was unrepresented by any defence counsel, but the court was informed that Joseph would be securing an attorney.

The matter was then adjourned to April 17.

It had been previously reported that at about 10 pm on March 14, 25-year-old Jeremy Joseph was at his Finch Drive, River Estate home in Diego Martin, when he got into an altercation with a male relative. The altercation quickly escalated and it was reported that during the ensuing fracas between the two young men, Joseph was stabbed in his chest with a knife.

Joseph was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries hours later.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,157271.html

Murders in Arima, Diego

By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Friday, March 16 2012

THE murder toll rose to 78 yesterday morning when two young men were killed in separate incidents in Diego Martin and Arima. First, a mere two days after the killing of 53-year-old Carl Samuel by a male relative, Western Division Police Officers were once again called on to respond to a domestic killing.

Police reported at about 10 pm on Wednesday, 25-year-old Jeremy Joseph was at his Finch Drive, River Estate home in Diego Martin, when he got into an altercation with a 24-year-old male relative.

The altercation quickly escalated and it was reported that during the ensuing fracas between the two young men, Joseph was stabbed in his chest with a knife. Other relatives in the household quickly became aware of the seriousness of the situation and Joseph was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. His attacker reportedly fled the scene.

However, Joseph did not respond to treatment and succumbed to his injuries at about 6 am yesterday.

A party of police officers from the Western Division including Inspector Henry Dan, Sgt Ulric Prescott, Sgt Beard, Sgt Constantine, Cpl Reyes and PC Mayhew, visited the scene of the altercation.

A 24-year-old suspect was later detained, and is currently assisting police with their investigations. When Newsday visited the area yesterday, the victim’s family and relatives were not at the Finch Drive house. However, neighbours indicated that they were in shock over the incident and described Joseph as a quiet and friendly young man who was not known to cause any sort of trouble.

Next, it was reported that Northern Division Police Officers were called out to the Arima Race Club in Santa Rosa after employees reportedly heard several loud explosions.

It was said that at about 11 am, employees reportedly heard several loud explosions, which sounded like gunfire and on investigating, saw two men fleeing the scene. One man was said to be riding a bicycle while the other was on foot.

A further search of the area was conducted and the body of a young man with what appeared to be three gunshot injuries to his back, was found in a pool of blood near to the race club. The police were notified and the area later cordoned off and a party of officers visited the scene.

The body later identified as 21-year-old Marvin Patrome of Valencia. Investigations are continuing.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,156965.html

Victim Support Unit chair: More networking needed to fight domestic violence

Published:  Thursday, March 15, 2012

Geisha Kowlessar

 

 

Chairman of the Victim Support Unit of the Ministry of

National Security, Margaret Sampson-Browne, right,

receives the Woman of the Year award from Scotiabank’s

Marketing Department representative Cheryl Hernandez,

at the offices of ASPIRE in Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.

At left is ASPIRE chairman Lynette Seebaran Suite.

PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

There has been a resounding call by Margaret Sampson-Browne, chairman of the Victim and Witness Support Unit to implement sufficient networking and resources to tackle the scourge of domestic violence. Sampson-Browne, a retired Assistant Police Commissioner in charge of Community Relations, was awarded woman of the year during yesterday’s launch of Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive (ASPIRE) Research Findings and Woman of the Year Award held in Port-of-Spain.

She also called on police officers to effectively and efficiently put their training to use as their role was also instrumental in the fight against domestic violence. Asked if she believed there had been sufficient efforts on the part of various stakeholders during the last ten years in which, according to statistics from the Crime and Problem Analysis Unit (CAPA), there has been a steady rise in domestic violence, Sampson-Browne said this “was lacking”.

“Some of us didn’t act fast enough, we didn’t have the networking enough, the networking system wasn’t effective enough. “I wouldn’t say there has been a shortfall. What I am saying is there must be sufficient networking and resources,” Sampson-Browne  said. Praising the efforts of the Police Service she said there was “tumultuous training” taking place to increase the capabilities of police officers as it related to domestic violence matters.

Asked whether there was a shortfall as it related to the implementation of such training, Sampson-Browne cited this as a management issue. “My managers need to understand their role in the police station to really enforce the kind of functioning that is required for communities.

“It is not acceptable that someone goes to a police station and someone refuses them or put them out. There are sergeants and inspectors at these police stations and they need to understand their roles and responsibilities and there may be a time where the executives need to pull the strings of those managers a bit,” Sampson-Browne said.

For the period 2010 to 2011, there were 11,984 new cases of domestic  violence cases filed in the Magistrates Court according to statistics provided by the Family Court for August 2010 to July 2011. For the same period 12,031 cases were decided, A breakdown of data according to different divisions revealed that in 2010 Central and Southern Divisions recorded the highest incidence of domestic violence offences with figures of 301 and 493 respectively.

For 2010 Southern Division recorded the highest figure with 677 reports, but Northern Division recorded the second highest with 340 incidents. With was followed by Central Division with 320 reports and South Western Division with 300 reported matters. For the period 2001 to 2011 there were 92,524 new cases filed in the Magistrates Court relating to domestic violence.

The same period revealed that 90,327 cases were decided. The majority of these cases were applications for and variance of protection orders. The numbers also reflected the dismissal of applications for protection orders, assaults and other forms of abuse as defined under the Domestic Violence Act, the data stated.
 
Source:http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-15/victim-support-unit-chair-more-networking-needed-fight-domestic-violence

Family Violence Takes Many Forms

Man stabbed to death

By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Wednesday, March 14 2012

HOURS after he kissed his daughter and wished her happy birthday, Carl Samuel, 53, was dead — stabbed in the chest by a 27-year-old male relative, who up to last night, remained at large.

The murder took place at a public basketball court, where the birthday party was held, mere walking distance from Samuel’s Ross Land, Upper Bournes Road, St James home.

Police reported that Samuel was among a group of relatives and friends who gathered at the basketball court on Monday night to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.

The group gathered at about 10.30 pm and celebrations were still ongoing right up until the moment Samuel was stabbed in his chest in full view of partygoers. Police reported that Samuel and the male relative got into an argument at about 10 am yesterday, following which the relative used an unknown sharp object to stab Samuel in his chest. Clutching his chest and bleeding heavily, Samuel managed to walk a few metres away before collapsing. His attacker fled the scene.

The police and Emergency Health Services were notified and a short while later a party of officers including Inspector Henry Dan, Sgt Ulric Prescott, Inspector Park and Inspector Charles, from the Western Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, visited the scene.

The area was cordoned off and Crime Scene Investigators searched the area for evidence.

Residents and relatives gathered just outside the basketball court and appeared to be visibly upset at the killing.

While police were at the scene, Samuel’s two daughters Keisha Samuel and Hannifah sat and cried nearby. They were comforted by their cousin Ebun Front. The body was later viewed by the District Medical Officer (DMO) who ordered it removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy to be carried out to officially ascertain cause of death.

Western Division Police have since confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the 27-year-old suspect who they described as being “known to them”. Investigations are continuing. Up until yesterday the country’s murder toll stood at 76 for the year thus far.

HOURS after he kissed his daughter and wished her happy birthday, Carl Samuel, 53, was dead — stabbed in the chest by a 27-year-old male relative, who up to last night, remained at large.

The murder took place at a public basketball court, where the birthday party was held, mere walking distance from Samuel’s Ross Land, Upper Bournes Road, St James home.

Police reported that Samuel was among a group of relatives and friends who gathered at the basketball court on Monday night to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.

The group gathered at about 10.30 pm and celebrations were still ongoing right up until the moment Samuel was stabbed in his chest in full view of partygoers. Police reported that Samuel and the male relative got into an argument at about 10 am yesterday, following which the relative used an unknown sharp object to stab Samuel in his chest. Clutching his chest and bleeding heavily, Samuel managed to walk a few metres away before collapsing. His attacker fled the scene.

The police and Emergency Health Services were notified and a short while later a party of officers including Inspector Henry Dan, Sgt Ulric Prescott, Inspector Park and Inspector Charles, from the Western Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, visited the scene.

The area was cordoned off and Crime Scene Investigators searched the area for evidence.

Residents and relatives gathered just outside the basketball court and appeared to be visibly upset at the killing.

While police were at the scene, Samuel’s two daughters Keisha Samuel and Hannifah sat and cried nearby. They were comforted by their cousin Ebun Front. The body was later viewed by the District Medical Officer (DMO) who ordered it removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy to be carried out to officially ascertain cause of death.

Western Division Police have since confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the 27-year-old suspect who they described as being “known to them”. Investigations are continuing. Up until yesterday the country’s murder toll stood at 76 for the year thus far.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,156835.html

Woman on stabbing charge gets bail

Woman on stabbing charge gets bail

By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Thursday, March 8 2012

BAIL in the sum of $20,000 was granted yesterday to a woman who allegedly stabbed her ex-boyfriend during an argument last month.

The accused woman, Kevell Charles, 20, re-appeared yesterday in the San Fernando First Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rae Roopchan charged with maliciously wounding Tylon Bacchus, of Moruga.

The charge alleges that Charles, armed with a kitchen knife, stabbed Bacchus in his chest on February 13 last, while at a house in Marabella.

PC Anand Bahadur of the Marabella Police Station laid the charge against Charles.

Attorney Michelle Rampaul yesterday represented the accused woman and informed the magistrate her client did not have any previous convictions, or pending matters.

She also asked that reasonable bail be granted to Charles, who lives in Princes Town, and who recently completed a nursing course. The attorney added Charles was also awaiting employment, having completed the course.

Court prosecutor, PC Ramdath Phillip, made no objection to bail being granted, and added the accused had no previous criminal records. The magistrate granted the bail and adjourned the case to April 26.

Source:  http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,156513.html

Follow up on Man accused of setting wife on fire

Man accused of setting wife on fire denied bail

By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Thursday, March 8 2012

HARRYPERSAD SINGH, of Hermitage Village, San Fernando, was yesterday denied bail by a magistrate before whom he appeared, charged with attempted murder in which he is alleged to have set his common-law wife on fire Saturday last.

Singh, 30, appeared before Magistrate Rae Roopchan in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court. He was not called upon to plead after the magistrate read the charge that he attempted to murder Andrea Badree, at a house on Dumfries Road, Hermitage Village, near San Fernando.


The charge stemmed from an incident at the home in which Badree was doused with a flammable substance, and then set ablaze.

The police court prosecutor, PC Ramdath Phillip, told Roopchan that Badree was the common-law wife of accused Singh, and she was currently warded at San Fernando General Hospital for continuing medical treatment. Singh was arrested on Saturday following the incident.

Cpl Ramlogan of the San Fernando Police Station, laid the charge.

In appealing to the magistrate to grant bail, attorney, Ainsley Lucky, expressed dissatisfaction on the lack of information contained in the medical report of the victim. Lucky added that the report was not specific on whether the victim had suffered second, or third-degree burns.

But the prosecutor responded that irrespective of what was contained in the medical report, Badree was listed in a serious condition.

Roopchan denied the accused bail, and remanded Singh into police custody, but informed him of his right to apply to a Judge in Chambers for bail.

The magistrate postponed the matter to April 4.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,156511.html

New practice of using written legal directions

Jury finds man ‘not guilty’ of manslaughter

By JADA LOUTOO Wednesday, March 7 2012

A RELATIVELY new practice of using written legal directions alongside oral instructions by a trial judge is now being used as an aid to juries so they better understand the law they are to apply to the case.

At least one jury in a criminal trial has indicated that a judge’s written directions, given in addition to his oral summation of the evidence and law to be applied in arriving at their verdict, has been useful. Jurors who heard evidence in the trial of Derrick Thomasos in the Port-of-Spain Third Criminal Court, yesterday indicated to Justice Mark Mohammed that his written directions were useful to them as they deliberated on their verdict. The judge also summed up the casefor two days.

The jury acquitted Thomasos, who was before the court on a manslaughter charge. He was charged with killing Kerry Celestine on August 9, 2002 at 84 Cocorite Road, Arima.

Thomasos was in a common-law relationship with Celestine’s former common-law wife and the mother of his three children, Cathleen White.

It was alleged that Celestine went to Thomasos’ home to drop off money for White, when Thomasos overheard a conversation between the two about him.

Thomasos allegedly attacked Celestine, telling him to leave his home. Thomasos hit Celestine a back-hand slap and he fell, hitting his head on iron burglar-proofing and then on the concrete floor. Celestine died a few hours later as a result of the fatal head wound.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,156454.html

ISOLATION 

The signs of an abusive personality

Story Created: Feb 11, 2012 at 12:42 AM ECT

Story Updated: Feb 11, 2012 at 12:42 AM ECT 

 

Indira sucked in a big breath of air, partially because it was coming to her turn at the driving school but more so because she was nervous about taking such a bold step.
She knew her husband would not approve of her getting her driver's license but she knew she had to. After an incident in which their young daughter got into an accident at home and she could not take her to the hospital even though they had a car parked in the yard, she knew she had to do something about her helplessness.

But that wasn't the only motive for Indira's action as she knew having her license was the beginning of her freedom from the trap of a marriage she presently found herself in.

As she looked around at the mother's milk on the faces of the other driving students who had gone before her or whose turn was yet to come, she felt both uneasy about her age as well as sad that she had not done this way back when.

Thinking back, she was just like many of the young people surrounding her. Young, full of energy and bright, Indira had used every opportunity of her education to not be her mother.

Uneducated and unskilled Indira's mother was trapped in her marriage, her only solace, Indira and her siblings, whom she slaved for. But even in her apparent ignorance, Indira's mother knew enough to teach her daughter that her education was key to breaking the vicious cycle which sunk its claws in her and her foremothers before her.

Indira took this lesson well, inspired too by her father's attempts at controlling her life. And she was well on her way to doing just that when she met the love of her life.

In the beginning Shiva was all that she wanted. Caught in the euphoria of first love she lost herself in him. So much so that she had not noticed how in the three months after they met at university how distant she and her girlfriends had become.

After being told so by her best friend, she decided to have a girl's lime — that was when her situation came to light.

"No…You can"t…I won't allow you to."

The words that he told her that day were still clarion clear in her mind so many years later.

Not wanting to upset him and deeply in love with Shiva, Indira made up an excuse and disappointed her friends. Their friendship never recovered.

Her family soon followed, her hardest decision coming when Shiva told her to choose between him or her mother since he "needed" her.

His task of isolating her was complete when he forced her to quit her high paying job citing their kids need for a mother who was at home and not one who had the strains and pressure of work.

Indira had convinced herself that it could work since Shiva's business was growing and they could afford to live comfortably on his income alone.

To an outside observer, Indira was living every woman's dream life — Big house, three beautiful kids and not having to work. But on the inside Indira's wedding vows of two becoming one had turned into a real life nightmare.

Banned from working, Indira was now fully dependent on her husband's whim and fancy in paying her an allowance. An allowance that had decreased in value over the years since it had not increased to adjust to time and inflation, which had left her living like a pauper in a rich man's world.

Accepting that she had become her mother and was now the home's servant living vicariously through her children; her world took its biggest blow when she discovered Shiva had a mistress.

Unable to fathom how a man whom she gave all of herself to could do such a thing to her, she saw Shiva's unbelievable behaviour compounded by his refusal to accept even the slightest blame for his infidelity.

In one last swipe, her last shred of self-esteem was shredded when he blamed his infidelity on her, saying she had let herself go and she wasn't "tight" enough.

As the thoughts about how she had allowed him to break bridges between her and her friends and drive wedges between her and her family, leaving her trapped in the circle of his life which saw her every move encircled by his, but not reciprocated by him, Indira grew angrier; angrier that she had not recognised this sooner.

But she was comforted by the fact that she had actually made first steps to rescue the real her. So as she stood in the compound of the licensing office, Indira beamed as she looked at the learner's car driving into the yard towards her.

She was taking a step which most took before they hit twenty but at least she was taking it.

As she stepped to the car's driver side the delight about getting to drive a car fell off her face as she saw Shiva's car hurriedly enter the compound.

Unfurling his massive frame from behind his driver's seat it only took him a couple of his large steps to be in her personal space.

"Get in the car!" His voice boomed as he pointed at his car.

To the mostly young people gathered around, his tone and mannerisms reminded them of a father speaking to a child. Not even one their age, but a very young one who had done something very very wrong.

All eyes fixed on Indira's tiny frame, completely covered by Shiva's shadow which enveloped her.

What happened next would have shocked even the most uninterested individual. From deep within her belly, came Indira's response.

"ENOUGH!!!"

The years of him chipping away at her individuality had left a hollow where once she stood, but out of the abyss of that hollow lurked the real Indira, hiding, ashamed. But it was also waiting and when this opportunity presented itself, the real Indira decided to come out of her dark hole.

Isolation is a key component of the abuser's personality. That desire to break your will and separate you from any other sources of strength besides their own is their ultimate goal. The healthiest relationships are ones in which both partners understand that their union must not overshadow and supersede their right and their partner's right to still be an individual.

Timothy Christopher P Nokio is the Author of A Man's Guide to Good Cheating…What Most Men want to Know…But What ALL Women Should Know and he can be contacted on FaceBook at Timothy Christopher P Nokio or at Fan Page Timothy Christopher

P Nokio.

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/ISOLATION-139140054.html