Dragonfly Centre: Woman injured in fire set by relative

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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Monday, July 30, 2012

Woman injured in fire set by relative

By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Sunday, July 29 2012

Point Fortin police are searching for a 29 year-old man who yesterday burnt down a house following a domestic dispute with a female relative.

The woman, Camille Gittens, 27, also sustained burns to her left leg in the fire. She was subsequently treated and discharged from the Point Fortin Area Hospital yesterday afternoon. A police report stated Gittens, a mother of three, and the man had an argument, following which he set the house, located at Warden Road Extension, Point Fortin, on fire at about 9.30 am. The man fled the scene and neighbours had to assist in getting Gittens out the burning house.

The woman’s children, police said, are currently on vacation at the home of relatives out of the area.

The injured mother was rushed to hospital and when fire officers arrived at the scene the house was already completely gutted. Police estimated losses to be in excess of $100,000. Up to late yesterday, PC Carter and other officers from the Point Fortin Police Station were searching for the suspect, whom they believe had gone into hiding. Once arrested, police are expected to lay several charges against him. PC Carter is investigating.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,164037.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.