Investigating international cases of sexual and gender-based violence

 

Investigating international cases of sexual and gender-based violence

Posted on September 10 2012 |

The training course on “Investigating Cases of Sexual and Gender-based Violence as International Crimes,” being held in The Hague, from 10-14 September 2012, was officially opened by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, on Monday, September 10th.

Participants were welcomed by Andras Vamos-Goldman, Executive Director of Justice Rapid Response, Nahla Valji, Programme Specialist for Rule of Law and Transitional Justice at UN Women, and John Ralston, Executive Director of the Institute for International Criminal Investigations .

The course’s aim is to increase the pool of experts that can be rapidly deployed to lead and participate in investigations of conflict gender-based crimes. It is a collaborative project between UN Women, Justice Rapid Response and the Institute for International Criminal Investigations. This training course in The Hague is the first of a series of two courses, the second of which will be held in Pretoria, South Africa, from January 28 to February 1, 2013.

The experts to be trained come from all regions of the world, and upon successful completion they will become part of a special sexual gender-based violence sub-roster of the Justice Rapid Response roster and will be available for rapid deployment by states, as well as the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and other international institutions. These training courses are made possible thanks to the generous support primarily from the Government of Canada, as well as contributions from Sweden and UN Women.

The Chargé d’ Affaires of Canada, the Ambassador of Sweden, South Africa, and the Ambassador for International Organizations of the Netherlands, as well as a representative of the Embassy of the United Kingdom and of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court were in attendance.

Source: http://www.unwomen.org/2012/09/investigating-international-cases-of-sexual-and-gender-based-violence/

Violence Domestic in Nature

 
Man stabbed to death in St James

By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Monday, September 10 2012

A 28-year-old man became the country’s latest murder victim after he was stabbed to death on Saturday night, pushing the country’s murder toll to 293.

Police reported that Assin Wynn was walking along Dundonald Hill, St James, when he got into an altercation with another man.

During the scuffle, Wynn’s assailant managed to obtain a sharp instrument and stabbed the 28-year-old man multiple times in his chest.

Wynn was rushed to the St James Health Facility, however, he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police informed Newsday yesterday that the argument was domestic in nature, and they yet to arrest the assailant.

However, they were confident that the suspect would be arrested within the coming hours as it was said he was known to them.

Wynn was the sixth person to be killed in the space of 19 hours.

The first murder reportedly took place at about 10 pm on Friday.

Kerwin Birchwood, 20, of Phase 1 Powder Magazine, Cocorite was reportedly liming with friends near his home when neighbours heard several loud gunshots. After investigating, Birchwood was found bleeding on the ground. He eventually died on the scene.

Next, at about 1.30 am on Saturday, 18-year-old David Aaron, a construction worker of Guayamare Main Road was stabbed in the chest and died following an argument with two of his neighbours.

Then at about 5 am, Elma Noray — a mother of eight — was shot while sleeping on the ground of her Beverly Hills, Laventille apartment.

Thirty minutes later Ragoonath Sooknanan, 50, of Tumpuna Road, Tunapuna was found slumped mere metres away from his variety store. He had been shot to death.

At about 11 am, Joel “Garlic Sauce” Bodkin, 29, was shot on the roadway near a shop along Straker Village, Laventille.

On Saturday, Minister of National Security Jack Warner was engaged in a seven hour marathon meeting with heads of the Defence Force, TT Police Service, Regiment, TT Prisons Service and other agencies.

The result of this meeting was that 52 new anti-crime measures were hashed out and are expected to be implemented in this country within the coming weeks.


Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,166046.html

Man, 18, Killed After Argument

 

Man, 18, killed after argument

Sunday, September 9 2012

An 18-year-old man was stabbed to death following an altercation with a 28-year-old relative shortly after 1 am yesterday.

According to reports, David Aaron, of Guayamare, had been liming earlier with friends, then went to the home of a female relative and continued drinking and liming.

Police said while at a female relative’s home he got into an argument with the female relative’s husband. Aaron reportedly pulled out a knife and slashed the accused, who then overpowered him and stabbed him once in the chest.

Aaron and the accused were taken to the Chaguanas Health Centre where Aaron died while undergoing treatment. The suspect was treated and taken into custody.

Sunday Newsday understands that police investigators are to approach Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard, for directions in the matter. 

Source:http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,165991.html

Forgive Donna’s Killer

 

Forgive Donna’s killer

By Cecily Asson Sunday, September 9 2012

The grieving sister of murder victim Donna George yesterday called on and friends to forgive the male suspect for the crime committed. In delivering the eulogy at George’s funeral service, an emotional Debbie George told scores of mourners gathered at her parents’ home in La Rufin Road, Moruga, that despite the physical abuse her sister experienced, she never stopped loving the man who allegedly took her life.

On Wednesday, police reported that Donna was found lying in a pool of blood at her Preau Village East, St Mary’s Village, Moruga home with her neck almost severed. Moments after she was killed a close male relative confessed to neighbours and relatives that he had killed her, police investigations later revealed.

Yesterday Debbie said, “My husband Shane told Donna to stay with us and not to go back home but she never listened. She always wanted to make up with him. She loved him, so in spite of what she loved him.”

She then begged weeping relatives and friends that the suspect be forgiven.

She continued, “I want to say to all family and friends please stay strong and trust God. Let us forgive him for what he has done and let us move on with our lives.”

Up to yesterday, the suspect remained in custody at the Princes Town Police Station.

Yesterday’s funeral service was officiated by Pastor Jeffrey Granger of the Streams of Power Church, Moruga, and Donna was laid to rest at the nearby Grand Chemin cemetery.

A 59-year-old Ministry of Food Production employee is expected to appear tomorrow before a Princes Town magistrate to answer a charge of murder. The charge was laid by Cpl Braithwaite of the St Mary’s Police Post.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,165992.html

Our First Newsletter

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Come See Us at the........

8th Annual Women of Color Health Awareness Conference

That's right the Dragonfly Centre is honored 

to be part of this free community event. 

Mark your calendar and come check out our display. 

September 8th, 2012

8:am to 3:30pm

Bethlehem Baptist Church; Family Life Center

4818 Portland Ave, Tacoma WA 98404

To learn more and or register for this event click: http://wochealthawareness.com/ 

 

 

BREAK-UP LEADS TO MURDER

GIRLFRIEND CHOPPED TO DEATH

BY RALPH BANWARIE Saturday, August 18 2012

A policeman used a hatchet to chop to death his estranged girlfriend at her home in Guaico on Thursday night, two weeks after she broke off their relationship.

The relatives of Giselle Crystal Meloney, 24, lay the blame for her murder on the police service, saying no action was ever taken against the policeman although the young woman made reports about his death threats at the Sangre Grande Police Station.

The policeman, 35, who was last assigned to the Arouca Police Station, remained in custody yesterday.

Giselle, a mother of a five-year-old boy, Chris, was last seen alive by her parents as she had visited them at their home at Guaico Trace, Guaico hours before she was brutally slain.

Her father Ronan Rogers said she spent the evening with Chris, who lives with his grandparents, and promised to take the boy to Manzanilla beach yesterday before she left at about 10.30 pm to return to her apartment. Giselle, an employee of the Ministry of Community Development, lived at Manic Street, Guaico. Her mother, Margaret Meloney, said she was jovial, laughing and talking, during her time with them.

“Only one hour you were alive making us happy, playing music, dancing and giving picong to your relatives. I can’t believe this,” a weeping Margaret said, as if speaking to her daughter, when Newsday visited yesterday. Charlene Meloney said she got a call from her sister shortly after she left their parent’s home.

She said Giselle told her she believed the policeman was following her. Despite Charlene’s advice to return to their parents house, Giselle insisted on going to her apartment.

However, at about 11.30 pm, police received a report from Giselle’s landlord that he had heard screams coming from her apartment and saw a man jumping through a window.

The landlord also woke up Giselle’s brother, Sherwin Charles, who lived in an apartment at the back, and told him about what he heard and saw.

Charles went to his sister’s apartment and found her on her bed bleeding from her neck. Her arms were upraised near her head suggesting she tried to shield herself during the attack. Charles called their parents who went to the apartment only to find Giselle dead.

Police were called in and ASP Neville Sankar led a team from the Sangre Grande station. They were later joined by homicide officers of the Arouca station.

Her killer was later detained by officers of the Eastern Task Force after a high speed chase. His vehicle was confiscated and he was arrested and taken to the Sangre Grande station where he has been interrogated.

Police believe Giselle’s killer waited in her apartment and began attacking her with a hatchet when she entered her bedroom, after which he jumped through the window and escaped in his vehicle before being caught. District medical officer Dr Ugw viewed Giselle’s body which was taken to the Forensic Sciences Centre, St James where an autopsy was done yesterday. Three of Giselle’s brothers, one a Newsday employee, said her murder has left their family in shock.

“She was a quiet person, a caring person. She was very loving, and she had a way about her, that she could make anybody smile. This here is hard, because she was so young, and she has a young boy of her own that she takes care of,” said one of her brothers, who did not want to be identified, in an interview at the forensic centre. The brothers confirmed Giselle tried to end her relationship with the policeman.

“She was in a bad relationship, and she tried to end it, but like he didn’t want it to end. In fact she even told us that he threatened to kill her if she ever left him, and low and behold, about two weeks after she called it quits, now he killed her,” said her brother.

At the home of Giselle’s parents, relatives sat around crying.

Margaret said Giselle’s son is due to enter primary school next month but does not know how he will cope as he was close to her.

“We cannot convinced Chris that his mother had died. He believes she left for her work and will return in the evening,” Margaret said.

Charlene said Giselle confided in her about how the policeman would threaten to kill her, showing her a cutlass and hatchet.

“It was constant abuse and threats for my sister,” Charlene said.

She said the family had concerns about Giselle’s relationship with the policeman who has two children from previous relationships.

When they asked how things were, she would always say, “good”, Giselle’s father told Newsday.

“You believe that she could not live with us, at times she made us get disenchanted with her choices. She is our daughter and we all love her, but she will never listen to advice and that (was) the reason for her renting,” he said.

Rogers said he advised his daughter to be careful, telling her “jealously kills” as he felt the policeman was obsessive.

He said Giselle made several reports to the Sangre Grande police about the death threats from the policeman after she broke off the relationship.

“She kept making complaints about the man following her and not a day for the two weeks a policeman came to caution their colleague. Look where it ended,” said the grieving father. “This could have been avoided if the police had acted and my daughter would have been alive.”

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,164947.html

Constable Held for Girlfiend's Murder

 

Constable held for girlfriend’s murder

Published:  Saturday, August 18, 2012

Derek Achong

Sangre Grande Police Station

A 40-year-old police constable has been detained after he reportedly chopped his female companion to death during a domestic dispute at her home in Sangre Grande, on Thursday night. According to police reports, around 10.30 pm, residents of an apartment building in Guaico complained of hearing screams from an apartment occupied by the constable’s 23-year-old girlfriend.

The landlord checked the apartment shortly after but the door was locked. Police said the landlord peeked through an open window and saw the woman lying unconscious on the floor with several large gashes on her head. The landlord told investigators that while looking through the window he saw a man exiting the back door of the woman’s apartment.

Sangre Grande police responded and several hours later they arrested the policeman at his house in Sangre Grande. The woman was chopped several times on the head and her body bore marks of violence, which police believe came from a struggle with her attacker. The officer was being interrogated by homicide detectives up to late yesterday. He is currently not on active duty after being sent on injury leave. He was said to be in a relationship with the woman for the past few months.

Investigators were yesterday trying to determine the cause of the couple’s argument, but said the couple was known to engage in heated rows. The murder toll for the year thus far now stands at 257. ASP Neville Sankar, Insp Lynford Coggins and acting Insp Wayne Lawrence of the Region Two Homicide Bureau are investigating.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-08-18/constable-held-girlfriend%E2%80%99s-murder

Cop keeps vow to kill ex-lover

Mom of one hacked to death...

By Jensen LaVende

Story Created: Aug 17, 2012 at 11:01 PM ECT

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2012 at 11:01 PM ECT 

 

He had promised that if she ever left him, he would kill her.

Just after 10 p.m. on Thursday, Giselle Maloney's one-time lover, who swore an oath to protect and serve his countrymen, made good on his promise, allegedly hacking her to death in her Manrick Street, Guaico, apartment.

According to police reports, Maloney's landlord heard screams coming from her apartment around 10.30 p.m. The landlord called Maloney's brother, Sherwin Charles, who also rents an apartment in the area, and the two went to Maloney's apartment.

On reaching there, the report added, they saw a car speeding off, and when they looked through a window into Maloney's home, they saw her lying in a pool of blood.

An all-points bulletin was put out on the vehicle, and officers of the Eastern Division Task Force intercepted the car just after midnight along the Eastern Main Road in Sangre Grande.

The suspect, a 34-year-old police officer of Sangre Grande, is now at the Sangre Grande Police Station assisting officers with their enquiries.

In a telephone interview with the Express, Maloney's mother, Margaret Charles, said her daughter had made a report to the Sangre Grande Police Station just last weekend after she was told her death would come if she left her boyfriend of just over a year.

Charles said her daughter was a kind, loving person who got along well with anyone. She added that from the very day she met Maloney's companion, she did not take to him.

"He did know very well that I did not like him. I tell her he is not no good person for her. I just find he was not looking like somebody suitable for her, and he did not want her to lime with her brothers, just be with him," Charles said.

Another relative, who wished not to be identified by name, said his sister tried to get out of the relationship and had broken up with the officer on several occasions but eventually got back together with him.

He added that his sister, a clerk at the Ministry of Social Development in Sangre Grande, was a very friendly person who aspired to be a receptionist.

He said his baby sister never complained to him about being abused.

He said his five-year-old nephew was supposed to have been with his mother on Thursday night, but Maloney opted to leave him with his grandmother.

Maloney's brother said his sister was supposed to take his nephew to the beach today. He said his nephew keeps asking for his mother although he was informed she had passed on.

An autopsy report conducted yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James stated Maloney died as a result of multiple chop wounds to the head, face and neck.

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Cop_keeps_vow__to_kill_ex-lover-166616736.html

 

Male Victim of Domestic Violence

Man, 97, dies after fight over woman, 48

By Susan Mohammed

Story Created: Aug 17, 2012 at 11:01 PM ECT

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2012 at 11:01 PM ECT 

 

TWO weeks after being involved in a fight over a woman, 97-year-old Josiah Hudson Downes has died from the injuries suffered in the brawl.

An autopsy performed by Dr Hubert Daisley found that Downes suffered blunt force trauma to his head and chest and he developed a pulmonary embolism.

Downes, of Centeno Street, died at the San Fernando General hospital.

On July 15, Downes was at the home of a 48-year-old woman at Southern Main Road, Rousillac, when an ex-lover came to the house.

Downes and the man argued and fought, Mohammed told police.

Several days later, Downes complained of feeling unwell and sought treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital.

He remained in hospital for 11 days, and was then discharged.

On July 31, Mohammed went to Downes' home and found him unconscious, lying naked on the floor of his bedroom.

He was again taken to hospital and detained. On Wednesday he died.

Police said yesterday that further consultation was needed with the pathologist to gather more information on the cause of death.

The Homicide Division (South) is investigating the case.

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Man__97__dies_after_fight_over_woman__48-166616636.html

Murder - Suicide

Wife killer found hanging

By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Wednesday, August 15 2012

Julie Parris

Hours after murdering his wife and putting his son in the hospital, Patrick Steve Parris was found hanging from a tree yesterday morning at the back of his home.

Police reported that at about 8.30 am, relatives visited Parris’ home along Mahabarsingh Trace in Navet. After several calls went unanswered the relatives circled the home, where they made the horrifying discovery.

The police were notified and a party of officers from the Rio Claro Police Station visited the scene. PC Rajesh Heeraman is continuing investigations.

At about 9.30 am on Monday, police reported that Julie Parris and her 13-year-old son Timmy went to visit her 24-year-old son, Brian Parris, at Mahabarsingh Trace. Julie, 43, and Patrick, 46, were separated, however Brian and his common-law wife Lucy Faria lived at Patrick’s home.

A restraining order was reportedly in effect against Patrick due to domestic problems which he and Julie had in their relationship.

Upon Julie’s arrival, Patrick confronted her about an issue regarding their younger son. Police explained the argument got very heated, and eventually, Patrick picked up a knife and began stabbing Julie.

Her screams for help alerted Brian who, armed with a cutlass, attempted to ward off his father. Unfortunately, Patrick reportedly overpowered Brian, took the cutlass and chopped him and Faria who also intervened. Brian and Faria along with Timmy ran from the house to seek help, and alert other residents. Julie died on the scene. Patrick managed to escape, and was considered missing until his body was discovered yesterday. Insp George, Sgts Garcia, Knights and James and other officers of the Rio Claro Police Station visited the scene together with officers of the Homicide Bureau.

Speaking to reporters at the Forensic Science Centre, St James yesterday, Julie’s sister, Molie Moore, said her death and the wounding of her nephew and his common-law wife had left the entire family in shock.

“Patrick was not like that. He had his issues, and we know he had hit her before. But to say that he would attack his son and his wife like that? I did not see it coming. Not at all. I don’t know what would have triggered that at all,” Moore said.

“We will remember her as a very loving and caring person. Someone who was always there for her family. She was always smiling and very helpful, but she was the type who also kept to herself mostly. She had six sons, between 13 and 24, and she was the youngest girl out of six siblings. We will miss her greatly,” Moore noted.

Up to yesterday, Brian and his common law wife were said to be still warded in stable condition at the Sangre Grande District Hospital.

Investigations are continuing. 

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,164798.html

Mother of 5 chopped to death

Mother of 5 chopped to death

By LAUREL V. WILLIAMS Tuesday, August 14 2012

A male relative stabbed and chopped a mother of five to death in Rio Claro yesterday minutes after she arrived at the home of one of her sons. Police identified the dead woman as Judy Parris, 43, of Guanapo Estate, Rio Claro. Parris, was employed as an attendant at KFC’s outlet in Rio Claro.

Parris’ son, Brian Parris, who attempted to save her life during the ordeal, and his common-law wife Lucy Faria, were also chopped by the man. They however survived the attack and the couple was listed in stable condition at the Sangre Grande Hospital up to yesterday afternoon.

A police report stated that shortly after 9 am yesterday Parris and her 13-year-old son went to Brian’s home at Mahabarsingh Trace in Navet, Rio Claro, and a heated argument ensued between her and the estranged male relative, who lives nearby.

The report added during the argument, he picked up a knife and began stabbing her about the body. Her screams for help alerted Brian who, armed with a cutlass, attempted to ward off the enraged male relative. Both men began to struggle, but the relative overpowered Brian, took the cutlass and chopped him and Faria who also intervened. The couple along with the teenage boy ran from the house to seek help, and alert other residents.

The man, a gardener, then went after Parris who was unable to run away, due to the stab wounds and began chopping her with the cutlass. He then ran off into some bushes. She died in the house.

Police further said that recently Parris took out a restraining order against the attacker.

Insp George, Sgts Garcia, Knights and James and other officers of the Rio Claro Police Station visited the scene together with officers of the Homicide Bureau.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the attacker. An autopsy is expected to be performed today at the Forensic Sciences Centre in St James. Investigations are continuing. 

Source:http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,164754.html

“FROM VICTIMS TO VICTORS”- BUILDING AN INDEPENDENT SELF from August 27-30 2012.

We are very excited about this upcoming event:

 

The Victims and Witness Support Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service presents its 4 day conference “FROM VICTIMS TO VICTORS”- BUILDING AN INDEPENDENT SELF from August 27-30 2012.

This is a groundbreaking conference on meeting the needs of victims.   Individuals and communities are affected by a wide range of crimes such as family and sexual violence, terrorism, break and enter, homicide, fraud, home invasion, elder abuse, road trauma and armed robbery.
The conference will bring together delegates to discuss what research tells us about victims' rights and needs in all their diversity. Delegates will exchange ideas and solutions, examine promising practices and discuss challenges in meeting the needs of victims of crime. It will be a unique experience that emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to sharing promising practices, current research, and effective programs and policies that are victim-centered, practice-based, and research-informed. 
Participants may come filled with trepidation or uncertainty but leave FULL of inspiration to fulfill their personal aspirations. This underscores the conference theme “FROM VICTIMS TO VICTORS”- BUILDING AN INDEPENDENT SELF” whereby attendees will leave empowered with critical skills and knowledge to help them positively progress on their personal journey to self fulfillment, forgiveness and healing.

TARGET GROUPS

1. Trainers/support providers to Victims of Crime
2. All  Stakeholders who are in some way involved in the Victims and Witness Experience

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

1. Providing a platform for 21st Century Policing Perspective specific to Honoring and Listening to Victim/Survivor Voices: Putting Victims First; Creating victim-centered/sensitive responses; and promoting peer to peer learning opportunities.
2. Promoting Safety, Justice and Healing: Highlighting the Resiliency of the Healing Success of our Communities.
3. Fostering caring communities to promote members’ wellbeing
4. Promoting Traditional Values and Incorporating Traditional Skills in Crime Victim Services based on “The Matelot Experience Model.” Upholding wellness-  mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, using the hierarchy of needs- food, shelter, safety
5. Working in Harmony to develop a Critical Incident Social Management System: Developing community partnerships to strengthen services, such as partnering with technology experts, and networking with communities to address incidences of crime. Creating a National database of support services.
6. Empowering support personnel to provide professional service in an effective manner
7. Creating a safe space for open sharing and policy development

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Major themes for the conference include:

• Effective ways of giving victims a voice
• What works and why in addressing the needs of victims in the criminal justice system, e.g. investigation, court processes, restorative justice and support needs
• Understanding and addressing the  needs of victims
• The effectiveness of counseling as a means of healing for the victim
• Collaboration and strategic partnerships—what works between governments, non-government and private sectors

Take a look at the CONFERENCE AGENDA or REGISTER HERE. You can also BECOME A SPONSOR if you APPLY HERE.

Woman injured in fire set by relative

Woman injured in fire set by relative

By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Sunday, July 29 2012

Point Fortin police are searching for a 29 year-old man who yesterday burnt down a house following a domestic dispute with a female relative.

The woman, Camille Gittens, 27, also sustained burns to her left leg in the fire. She was subsequently treated and discharged from the Point Fortin Area Hospital yesterday afternoon. A police report stated Gittens, a mother of three, and the man had an argument, following which he set the house, located at Warden Road Extension, Point Fortin, on fire at about 9.30 am. The man fled the scene and neighbours had to assist in getting Gittens out the burning house.

The woman’s children, police said, are currently on vacation at the home of relatives out of the area.

The injured mother was rushed to hospital and when fire officers arrived at the scene the house was already completely gutted. Police estimated losses to be in excess of $100,000. Up to late yesterday, PC Carter and other officers from the Point Fortin Police Station were searching for the suspect, whom they believe had gone into hiding. Once arrested, police are expected to lay several charges against him. PC Carter is investigating.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,164037.html