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, March 8, 2013

Kamla: We will continue to fight for equality

International Women's Day

Story Created: Mar 7, 2013 at 10:01 PM ECT

Story Updated: Mar 8, 2013 at 7:08 AM ECT

AS she extended sympathies to families who have lost women to violence, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday vowed to continue fighting for equality and an end to abuse against women.

Persad-Bissessar in a statement addressed International Women's Day today and acknowledged the United Nations' theme for 2013, "A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to end Violence against Women".

She also spoke under the theme on the International Women's Day website 2013, "The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum".

"Some 160 countries worldwide have laws to address violence against women," she said.

"Yet unconscionable acts of violence against women continue.

"There are times when the victims are punished and the perpetrators are left free," she said.

"I will continue to use my office and position regionally and internationally to propose, champion and influence policy and decisions targeted to eliminate violence and discrimination against women." Persad-Bissessar said.

"As Prime Minister, I unequivocally state that violence against women is unacceptable, will not be tolerated and every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators of these acts against the human rights and dignity of women to justice."

She continued: "I extend heartfelt sympathy to the families, here at home, who have lost a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, niece or cousin over the past year through violence. The anguished pleas and stifled screams, the physical and psychological pain of women and girls subjected to violence and abuse must stop now."

Persad-Bissessar said Government would continue to review existing legislation on the health care and protection of women and children to ensure compliance with international obligations and best practice.

"Women cannot continue to live in fear for their lives and for that of their children," she said.
Education to raise awareness and incite cultural change was necessary and must include dialogue with men and boys, she said.

Chairman of the Women's Arm of the United National Congress (UNC) Stacy Roopnarine in a statement yesterday, said Trinidad and Tobago remained a country with many strong women.

This country was in 2011 declared the third best place in the Commonwealth to be born female and is also one of a handful of countries worldwide to be led by a woman, in the person of Persad-Bissessar.

Nevertheless, the United Nations has stated that internationally today, up to 70 per cent of women in the world report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence.

"These statistics show that it is quite likely that many of our sisters, daughters, mothers, and friends may have suffered violence at some point in their lives," Roopnarine said.

"This year, as we celebrate International Women's Day, we must join collectively to help women who may have suffered violence or who may continue to be the subject of violence. We call on all women to join together in the fight against violence, and we also call on our male counterparts to join in this fight with women to stand against violence."

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Kamla__We_will_continue_to_fight_for_equality-196223171.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.