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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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Victims Family Speaks Out - Pleading Victims to Report Violence

Relative of slain Valencia man: He was a victim of physical abuse

Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Camille Clarke

“Don’t be ashamed or shy. Go and make a report against whatever abuse you are going through.” This advice was given yesterday by Lisa Williams, whose brother Dwayne Hill was stabbed to death by a close female relative at Alexis Circular, Valencia Plantation, Valencia.

Nicole Rodriquez, left, and Lisa Williams, sisters of murder

victim Dwayne Hill, at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday.

PHOTO: MARCUS GONZALES

Up to late yesterday, an 18-year-old woman remained in police custody in connection with the incident. Hill, 31, a watchman, was at his home on Good Friday when he had a heated argument with a woman. She allegedly snatched a breadknife and stabbed him eight times in the chest. He was taken to the Sangre Grande Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

In an interview at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday, Williams said her brother had suffered both physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a woman for the past few years. Williams said the woman also broke his right arm. “The same day he was stabbed, he was threatened by the woman,” she said.

“She always used to beat him up and abuse him. His right arm was broken by the woman. She used to run him down. “He told me he didn’t know what going on with her. He told me in front of her if somebody kill him, it would be her. He decided to settle down with her and that was the last time I saw him alive.”

Williams said Hill did not want to go to the police because he feared he would be ridiculed for being abused by a woman. “However, I need to say the Valencia police did a good job,” she said. “She was running away and they held her.” Williams said the woman was apprehended by relatives and handed over to the police.

“It is a tough situation we are going through now,” she said, describing Hill as “a pleasant, quiet person who used to make us smile.”

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-04-10/relative-slain-valencia-man-he-was-victim-physical-abuse

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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.