Dragonfly Centre: Tragic Loss of Life with Long Term Effects

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, October 5, 2012

Tragic Loss of Life with Long Term Effects

Manhunt on for killer

Thursday, October 4 2012

POLICE yesterday continued their manhunt for a man who on Monday night stabbed a mother of two to death at her Williamsville home, shortly after she had taken her evening bath. Sources said that the search had widened from Williamsville to La Brea.

Meanwhile, an autopsy done yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James confirmed that sales clerk Shanti Sewlal, 31, died as a result of shock and haemorrhage after being stabbed four times in her chest.

The fourth stab, was so forceful that the handle of the knife broke off with the blade protruding from Sewlal’s chest. Sewlal was stabbed in full view of her children Britney, 12, and Brian, nine, at their Esmeralda Branch Road, Williamsville home.

Sewlal and her family lived in an apartment downstairs the home of her parents Roy and Rowtie Sookram. Sewlal recently took out a restraining order against a man after she ended a 13-year-old relationship.

Sewlal will be buried today at the Whiteland cemetery following a funeral service at the house of mourning. Investigations are continuing.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,167137.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.