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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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Gender-Based Violence Figures Alarming, says De Coteau

Gender-based violence figures alarming, says De Coteau

By Michelle Loubon

Story Created: Oct 23, 2013 at 11:21 PM ECT

Story Updated: Oct 24, 2013 at 11:49 AM ECT

INTERVENTIONS NEEDED: Clifton De Coteau

Clifton de Coteau, Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development, says he was “alarmed” by statistics which revealed homicides, including a majority caused by gender-based violence, were second to gang-related murders

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He also said interventions, including adequate data collection, non-acceptance on the path of females and legislation, will work towards eradicating violence.

De Coteau made these comments at the restaurant, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) building, Keate Street, Port of Spain, yesterday during a seminar on Gender-based Violence hosted by the Gender Ministry, in collaboration with the Embassy of Chile and the United Nations. Gender-based violence was deemed any violence that is perpetuated against a person and has a negative effect, includng physical, social or cultural.

The evil scourge manifests itself in rape, domestic violence, trafficking of women and girls, prostitution, harassment, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and sexual assault of children.

Among those present were Raziah Ahmed, Minister in the Minstry of Gender, Youth and Child Development; Chilean Ambassador Fernando Ayala; United Nations Co-ordinator/T&T Richard Blewitt; Dr Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO representative; legal consultant on Gender Gaietry Pargass and Angeli Gajadhar, Hindu Women’s Organisation representative.

In his first assignment since his illness, De Coteau cited statistics from Crime and Problem Analysis. He said: “The homicide statistics are second only to gang murders. In 2010, there were 940 reports of domestic violence and 68.2 per cent for assault by beating. The high incidence of gang rape is indeed horrifying.
“There are 250 reports of rape, 32 reports of incest and 150 reports of grevious damage, 278 reports of sexual assault and sex with minors (females from 14 to 16).”

He added: “From January to August 2013, there were 266 reported cases of sexual offences against females and with one more (at Macqueripe) 267, 116 were charged with Seuxal Offences. We heard (Ayala, Blewitt) about ‘one in three women’ being a victim of violence.”

While these stats made it into the public domain, De Coteau and other speakers said “It is the tip of the iceberg since many cases go unreported for fear of being ‘re-victimised’.”

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Gender-based-violence-figures-alarming-says-De-Coteau-229033541.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.