Dragonfly Centre: Home can be the most dangerous place

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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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Home can be the most dangerous place—UN study

Published: Monday, April 14, 2014

Yvonne Baboolal

Home can be a dangerous place for a woman, and even children, says Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He made the comment at the recent launch in London of the UNODC’s 2013 Global Study on Homicide. Lemahieu said, globally, men comprised 80 per cent of homicide victims and 95 per cent of perpetrators.

He said almost 15 per cent of all homicides (63,600) stemmed from domestic violence and more than two thirds of the victims (43,600) were women. “Home can be the most dangerous place for a woman. It is particularly heart-breaking when those who should be protecting their loved ones are the very people responsible for their murder.” The UNODC also reported that half of all homicide victims were under 30 years of age. Children under the age of 15 accounted for just over 8 per cent (36,000) of all homicides.

While men are mostly killed by someone they may not know, almost half of all female victims are killed by those closest to them, such as their intimate partners/family members, in domestic violence situations. The highest murder rates were recorded in the Americas and Africa and the lowest in Europe, Asia and Oceania. The consumption of alcohol and/or illicit drugs increased the risk of perpetrating homicide and, in some countries, over half of homicide offenders acted under its influence, the report said.

The use of cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants have also been associated with violent behaviour and homicide. Firearms were found to be the most widely used murder weapons, causing 4 in 10 homicides globally. A quarter of victims were killed with blades and sharp objects and just over a third died through other means like strangulation and poisoning. “Too many lives are being tragically cut short, too many families and communities left shattered.

“There is an urgent need to understand how violent crime is plaguing countries around the world, particularly affecting young men but also taking a heavy toll on women,” Lemahieu said.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-04-14/home-can-be-most-dangerous-place%E2%80%94un-study

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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.