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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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Surviving Domestic Violence - The Carolyn Thomas Story

By Sue-Ann Wayow

Domestic violence survivor Carolyn Thomas, coming to Trinidad to tell her story.

Story Created: Jul 12, 2012 at 10:22 AM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 12, 2012 at 10:26 AM ECT

OUTRAGED by the horror stories of domestic violence, author and social activist Carol Maharaj has been compelled to do what she can, to help abuse victims.

Maharaj will be hosting a symposium on July 21 entitled " Voices" at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. She said the purpose of the symposium is to strengthen individuals who have been the victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse as well as to motivate others to overcome daily life obstacles.

She said, " This event is designed to empower individuals to take action immediately, to seek help, to make a decision to be the victor and not to the victim." Last year August, Maharaj unveiled a mural in San Fernando to act as a memorial for missing persons.

The feature speaker for "Voices" will be Carolyn Thomas, a former victim of abuse. Her story is published on her website www.carolyn-thomas.org. She is the founder of The Carolyn Thomas Foundation and now spends her time encouraging other victims to become overcomers and survivors of domestic abuse.

This is Thomas's story.
"I was born in Midland, Texas, on July 26, 1970. Raised by my grandmother and mother. I grew up in a strong, faith environment and attended church on a regular basis. During high school I participated and excelled in track and drama.

I grew up carefree and enjoyed spending time with my friends and mom. After graduation from Midland High School, I moved to Waco, Texas. I attended a local community college.
I later decided to explore the workforce in Waco and worked various jobs. In 1995, I met the man who would change my life forever. Throughout our eight year relationship, I was caged from the outside world. I experienced helplessness, powerlessness, isolation, control, manipulations, fear, intimidation, and loss of self by an abusive partner on various levels. The abusive relationship progressed to a lethal plateau over time.

On December 5, 2003, I suffered catastrophic facial injuries when my abuser shot me at point-blank range. I was not expected to live. By God's hand I survived. I had 11 reconstructive surgeries at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas over a two year period. While recovering I discovered my purpose, to tell my story to all willing to listen." Thomas's mother was shot and killed by the same person who attacked her.

Maharaj said other speakers for the event include Margaret Sampson-Browne, manager of the Victims and Witness Support Unit of the Police Service and Fizool Haniss, a retired acting superintendent of prisons.

She said Haniss who was assigned to the Youth Training Centre for most of his career, will be speaking about the effects of abuse on children.

Maharaj said " I know that there are other agencies that deal with domestic abuse but we juts wanted to do our little part.Carolyn's face is disfigured but that does not stop her from doing what she does. It is the face of a victim and a victor. Her face tells a story. We want women to be able to get over the trauma of domestic abuse. We want to show women that they can be a conqueror. There are so many others, who cry and die in silence."

Maharaj is the managing director of Care One Consultants Services.
Tickets for the symposium cost $300 and can be bought at any Francis Fashions Shoelocker outlet.

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Surviving-Domestic-Violence-162204345.html

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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.