Dragonfly Centre: Forgive Donna’s Killer

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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Sunday, September 9, 2012

Forgive Donna’s Killer

Forgive Donna’s killer

By Cecily Asson Sunday, September 9 2012

The grieving sister of murder victim Donna George yesterday called on and friends to forgive the male suspect for the crime committed. In delivering the eulogy at George’s funeral service, an emotional Debbie George told scores of mourners gathered at her parents’ home in La Rufin Road, Moruga, that despite the physical abuse her sister experienced, she never stopped loving the man who allegedly took her life.

On Wednesday, police reported that Donna was found lying in a pool of blood at her Preau Village East, St Mary’s Village, Moruga home with her neck almost severed. Moments after she was killed a close male relative confessed to neighbours and relatives that he had killed her, police investigations later revealed.

Yesterday Debbie said, “My husband Shane told Donna to stay with us and not to go back home but she never listened. She always wanted to make up with him. She loved him, so in spite of what she loved him.”

She then begged weeping relatives and friends that the suspect be forgiven.

She continued, “I want to say to all family and friends please stay strong and trust God. Let us forgive him for what he has done and let us move on with our lives.”

Up to yesterday, the suspect remained in custody at the Princes Town Police Station.

Yesterday’s funeral service was officiated by Pastor Jeffrey Granger of the Streams of Power Church, Moruga, and Donna was laid to rest at the nearby Grand Chemin cemetery.

A 59-year-old Ministry of Food Production employee is expected to appear tomorrow before a Princes Town magistrate to answer a charge of murder. The charge was laid by Cpl Braithwaite of the St Mary’s Police Post.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,165992.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.