Dragonfly Centre: Mayaro Mom Hacked to Death

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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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Mayaro Mom Hacked to Death

Worthless protection order

By Carolyn Kissoon

Story Created: Jun 18, 2014 at 12:11 AM ECT

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2014 at 12:11 AM ECT

DEATH HOUSE: The house where Orpha Hackett was killed at

St Ann’s Village, Mayaro. —Photo: TREVOR HACKETT

The domestic violence protection order granted to Mayaro mother of two, Orpha Hackett, proved worthless on Monday when she was hacked to death by a man she once loved.

Hackett, 23, was repeatedly stabbed and chopped on the head, neck and chest at her sister’s home around 2 pm.

She had earlier secured a three-year restraining order against the man at the Mayaro Magistrates’ Court.

Police believe the 29-year-old suspect followed Hackett to the home of her sister, Jinelle West, at St Ann’s Village, Mayaro where he attacked Hackett, a security guard, outside the house.

Police said she attempted to escape by running through some bushes, but the man chased and grabbed her. He was armed with a knife and cutlass. Hackett’s screams alerted neighbours who rushed to her assistance.

Police said the man pushed the bleeding woman to the ground and began running. A vigilante group however chased and captured him a half mile away in the bushes. He was beaten and restrained until officers arrived.

Relatives said Hackett, who lived at Oilfield Road, Union Village, Mayaro, recently ended an abusive relationship with the suspect. She was the mother of a four-year-old girl and two-year-old boy.
Police said the man was seen buying two knives and a cutlass before the attack.

Hackett was taken to the Mayaro District Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James. An autopsy performed by pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov found that Hackett was severely chopped on the right side of the head. Alexandrov said the chop wounds were dealt with “great force” causing severe injury to the brain. He said Hackett tried to defend herself as there were cuts to her hands.

Source:http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Worthless-protection-order--Mayaro-mom--hacked-to-death-263583161.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.