Domestic Violence and Public Policy in Trinidad and Tobago

• NCJ Number: 190219
• Journal: Caribbean Journal of Criminology and Social Psychology Volume: 5 Issue: 1&2 Dated: January/July 2000 Pages: 181-188
• Author(s): Daphne Philips
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Trinidad and Tobago
• Note: Excerpt of Address at Seminar on Domestic Violence and Public Policy in Trinidad and Tobago sponsored by the Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Centre for Gender and Developmental Studies, November 11, 1999, University of West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad.

Annotation

This article presents issues on domestic violence and public policy in Trinidad and Tobago (West Indies).

Abstract

Domestic violence is a widespread problem in Trinidad and Tobago. A comprehensive program was prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Gender Affairs to provide a national toll-free domestic violence hotline, a domestic violence unit to concentrate on public awareness community preventive programs, and education exercises on the issue of domestic violence. In seeking to enhance domestic violence legislation it was discovered that there were four major obstacles which rendered it difficult for abused women to take full advantage of the protection of the law. The first obstacle was the persons who received protection orders were often left without financial support. Second, the intervention of the police was not timely and the lack of clarity as to their role in such cases often led to an indifferent response. Third, the definition in the 1991 statute failed to address financial, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse. And last, the Courts were not vested with sufficient jurisdiction to provide remedies that would afford protection and at the same time impose abuser accountability. In 1996, based on the policy of gender equity and equality, the resulting intolerance to domestic violence, and the need for a multi-faceted approach to eliminate domestic violence, a plan was prepared to address the problem. The parameters of the policy included public awareness with access to information and services and the elimination of stereotypes; legislative reform; training and development of women; and encouraging women in leadership and decision making. Also the policy addressed men’s gender issues and poverty and dependency issues.