Dragonfly Centre: MOM SHOT DEAD ...Daughter In Critical Condition, Suspect On The Run

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, May 9, 2014

MOM SHOT DEAD ...Daughter In Critical Condition, Suspect On The Run

Sherlene Charles

By Susan Mohammed susan.mohammed@trinidadexpress.com

Story Created: May 9, 2014 at 9:05 AM ECT

Story Updated: May 9, 2014 at 10:53 AM ECT

A 37-year-old Ste Madeleine mother was gunned down and her daughter left in critical condition at hospital after a close male relative allegedly shot them in their house last night.

The deceased, Sherlene Charles, of Tarrodale, and her 14-year-old daughter, were asleep when the killer broke into their home.

According to police, at around 11 p.m. Charles, a kitchen assistant at Royal Palm Hotel in San Fernando, her daughter, and three other relatives were in their bedrooms when they were awakened by a noise in the house.

Police said the relatives went to investigate and found a window broken and the close male relative standing in the living room with a firearm.

The suspect shot at Charles and her daughter and fled. Charles, police said, was shot in the abdomen and hand, while her daughter was hit in the chest and shoulder.

Charles was pronounced dead at the scene by district medical officer Dr Ragoobar. Her daughter is warded at hospital in critical condition.
Police said they recovered four spent nine millimetre shells at the crime scene.

The suspect, a 35-year-old man, is on the run. Police said they were told that Charles had been separated from her husband for three months. An autopsy is expected to be conducted on her body today.
Cpl Ramlogan of Ste Madeleine is investigating.

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/MOM-SHOT-DEAD-258615851.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.