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, May 11, 2012

Laws Coming to Protect Women

MP on sexual abuse, domestic violence: Laws coming to protect women

Published: Thursday, May 10, 2012

Indarjit Seuraj

Formal legislation to guarantee the rights and protection of women against sexual abuse and domestic violence is coming. Minister of State in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, Ramona Ramdial, made the announcement yesterday as she addressed the launch of the fifth Young Woman of the Year Award 2012.

Ramdial said the Government was in the process of drafting legislation to protect the rights of women. “Our battered women, those affected by domestic violence will have a piece of law that will protect the rights of these women which would be similar to the Children Bill, which is protecting the rights of the individual,” she said.

Ramdial said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had been championing rights and protection of women against domestic violence. Ramdial said the ministry would work together with the Office of the Attorney General to draft the Women Rights Bill.

The Couva North MP said: “Trinidad and Tobago is one of the better places for women to grow up, develop and live in.” However, she lamented the increasing rate of abuse of children, and young girls dropping out of school because of pregnancy. She said the ministry would construct 13 homes for battered women and children to offer refuge to victims of domestic abuse. “There is a need for it...Some of our homes are filled to capacity,” she said.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-05-10/mp-sexual-abuse-domestic-violence-laws-coming-protect-women

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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.