Dragonfly Centre: Justice Ministry launches crime Victims’ Handbook

Mission

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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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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Justice Ministry launches crime Victims’ Handbook

By Camille Hunte

Story Created: Dec 16, 2014 at 9:18 PM ECT

Story Updated: Dec 16, 2014 at 9:18 PM ECT

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The Ministry of Justice yesterday launched Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever Victims’ Handbook during a ceremony at the ministry’s head office at Tower C, International Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

The handbook provides information on a range of services available to victims of crime, including where they can access counselling, legal aid, and health care.

It also includes information on victims’ rights and how individuals may be eligible for financial and other assistance to help with recovery costs.

Additionally, the booklet provides information on how the criminal justice system in Trinidad and Tobago works, from the time a crime is reported to the police, to when a matter is completed in the courts.

Speaking at yesterday’s event, Minister of Justice Emmanuel George said the handbook heralds the advancement of a more caring and considerate system that connects victims and their loved ones to the information they need to heal and move on.

The handbook is a step toward the development and implementation of a restorative justice system, rather than the current retributive system, George said.

“Restorative justice is an approach to reconciling the harm caused by crime in a manner that promotes accountability and rehabilitation for offenders and healing for victims and communities,” George said. “Under a retributive system, however, the goal is mainly to punish and incarcerate the perpetrator.

“There is perhaps nothing worse than being traumatised in the first instance by a crime perpetrated against you and then being made a victim time and time again as a result of the lack of proper support and care,” he added.

George also announced the ministry is in the process of drafting a Restorative Justice policy.

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Justice-Ministry-launches-crime-Victims-Handbook-286032071.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.