Domestic Violence in Trinidad: A Family and Public Health Problem

• NCJ Number: 190218
• Journal: Caribbean Journal of Criminology and Social Psychology Volume: 5 Issue: 1&2 Dated: January/July 2000 Pages: 165-180
• Author(s): Joan M. Rawlins
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Trinidad and Tobago

Annotation

This study explores the attitudes of people in Trinidad on domestic violence.

Abstract

Data were collected in two communities in Trinidad: Barataria and Enterprise (Chaguanas). One hundred people were interviewed in each community. The method of investigation was a survey in which these adults, 18 years or older, were randomly selected. The interviews were comprised of 105 structured and open-ended questions. The purpose of the study was to determine the attitudes of the sample regarding domestic violence. Also, the goal was to ascertain the experiences of domestic violence; determine what the adults from the sample believed were reasons for domestic violence; and what might be done to reduce the incidence. The research also sought to determine what proportion of the abused had interacted with the health services in relation to their domestic violence experience(s) and whether or not they had sought counseling. Results revealed that 27 percent had lived in homes in which there was domestic abuse in their childhood. Sixteen percent experienced abuse in adulthood; most of these were women. The reasons given for domestic violence were drug and alcohol abuse, financial problems, and lack of communication. The main recommendations for reducing the incidence of domestic violence were education about the problem, counseling, more love and communication in the family, and improved levels of employment in the society. Some of those who were physically injured needed to seek treatment from health professionals. Approximately 40 percent of those interviewed did not discuss the true causes of their injuries. There was a common perception in Trinidad that Indian women experienced a greater prevalence of domestic violence than the other women in the society. However, the results of this study were inconclusive in this area. 4 tables, 24 references