Domestic Violence Shelters...

                  

                  

                                                                             Arima

 

                     "The fight against domestic violence and abuse is a global struggle and in recent months, incidents of domestic violence, several ending in deaths, have been escalating in Trinidad and Tobago," this is according to the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday (2011). The domestic violence statistics in Trinidad and Tobago are at alarming figures. According to another Newsday article (2012), "Ayers Ceasar revealed shocking domestic violence statistics. She said for the 2009/2010 law term in the Trinidad and Tobago Magistrates’ Courts, 12,106 new domestic violence applications were filed and 10,817 applications were determined. For the 2010/2011 period, 11,984 new applications were filed and 12, 041 applications were determined." In an article by the Guardian Media (2014), it was indicated that, "Domestic violence continues to escalate because of the “go-slow” approach by the criminal justice system in dealing with the issue. That, coupled with poor intervention strategies, is why lives are still being lost to domestic violence." Perhaps a greater police intervention would assist in these statistics. Until then, there is the Domestic Violence Shelters throughout Trinidad and Tobago which functions as a safe haven to victims of domestic violence.

                 Both men and women may be victims of domestic violence however, in men, numerous cases are not reported. Women are more subjected to acts of domestic violence which often times result in terrible injuries and perhaps worse. In 2010 there were three reported incidents of women being set afire, with one of those being fatal. Domestic Violence Shelters help provide victims of domestic violence with a safe place to temporarily stay. In Trinidad, these 'safe havens' are usually police stations where adequate security may be provided.

                  In my opinion, Domestic Violence Shelters are a good alternative but more should be done to protect these victims of domestic abuse. Staying in a police station does provide security but what happens when the victims leave? These shelters are merely temporary solutions which need to be replaced by permanent ones.

 

Reference:

 

Guardian Media. 2014. "Domestic Violence Needs Swift Response." Guardian Media, Accessed April 10.

http://guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-01-22/domestic-violence-needs-swift-response

 

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. 2011. "A Case For Support." Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, AccessedApril 09.

http://newsday.co.tt/features/0,145592.html

 

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. 2012. "12,106 domestic violence cases filed." Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, Accessed April 09.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,169677.html