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1. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)

2. Best practices in Trinidad and Tobago in the campaign to end gender based violence

   Prepared by Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago) Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
3. Gender Based Violence “any act of violence that results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women; including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life” (Population Reference Bureau, 2001 pg. 3). Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
4. Gender-based violence Umbrella term for any harm that is perpetrated against a person’s will, and that results from power inequalities that are based on gender roles. Gender-based violence tends to have a greater negative impact on women and girls. Hence the term "Gender-based Violence" is often used interchangeably with the term "Violence against Women" (VAW). Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
5. Gender Based Violence Gender-based violence threatens women’s right to life and to security of the person. Examples: domestic violence; child abuse; incest; rape; forced pregnancy; sexual trafficking; violence in armed conflict, such as murder and rape; and emotional abuse, such as coercion and abusive language; forced marriage; sexual harassment; and intimidation at work. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
6. Trinidad and Tobago State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 1979 and the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women 1994. has a legal obligation to protect women and girls from domestic violence and sexual violence including sexual harassment. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
7. Strategies to address Gender-based Violence The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago 1976: protects the human rights of all persons within Trinidad and Tobago holds the State accountable for violation of human rights. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
8. The Government is committed to full gender equity and thus seeks to create a gender sensitive society that fosters awareness of women’s issues and rights. Renewed emphasis on family and labour law; protection against violence and maternal health; encouraging women’s participation in all aspects of public life; the overall objective being to develop public policy and implement gender-sensitive practices Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
9. Legislation Creation of appropriate legislation to address different aspects of GBV Domestic Violence Act 45:56 Sexual Offenses Act 11:28 Children’s Authority Act 68:2000 Other relevant laws include: • Summary Offences Act Chap. 11:02 • Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Harassment) Chap. 11:08 • Legal Aid and Advice Act Chap. 7:07 Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
10. Investigative and Procedural Manuals Domestic Violence Sexual Offenses Purpose: to assist all ranks of security services to effectively and sensitively respond to reports of domestic violence or sexual violence and to take the appropriate criminal procedure measures to prosecute the suspect and protect the victim. Provide immediate injunctive relief to victims Ensure a prompt and just legal remedy for victims. Refer survivors as well as perpetrators for counselling Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
11. Rehabilitation of police stations Rehabilitation of police stations to improve service to citizens by providing: reception area, rape crisis room, interview and identification rooms in order to protect identities and take reports (especially in cases of domestic abuse) specialized training in counseling support, crisis negotiation and grief counseling Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
12. Victim Support Unit Support for Victims and Witnesses to Crime Purpose: to improving the service and support we provide to victims of and witnesses to crime. to bridge between the police and communities. Empower victims to go to court and face the person you are accusing to be able to reduce crime significantly, Provides assistance for Victims of: Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Child Abuse Stalking and Harassment Often referred to the: Domestic Violence Unit The Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago (RCS) Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
13. Community Mediation Centres Mediation services is an alternative method of resolving conflict in communities throughout Trinidad. Community Mediation Centres proactively implement programmes that positively impact the way members of society respond to difficult life situations and conflicts. Trained and certified mediators can help resolve disputes between family members and within communities. Programmes provided by Community Mediation Centres include: Anger management for parents, adolescents and teens. Building trust. Managing conflict in families and communities. Leadership skills development. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
14. The Domestic Violence Drop-in Centre provides: counselling and other forms of intervention to victims or perpetrators of domestic violence, including victims of rape and incest. The National Family Services Division offers: free counselling services for individuals, groups and families. This service provides preventive, remedial and developmental counselling for people who may be facing a crisis or dealing with psychological problems. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
15. HOTLINES Counseling and support are also available 24 hours a day through: the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (868) 800-SAVE (7283) The Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobag0 (622-7273 / 657-5355) Child Line (National Hotline for Students launched in February 2011) Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
16. Safe Houses Promote physical safety, economic security and well-being of victims Empower women and enable them to overcome consequences of violence to rebuild their lives Provide counselling services; group support; public education To advocate for justice for survivor and their children To forge alliances with other agencies working to create social change Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
17. NGOs working against Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Coalition Against Domestic Violence The Shelter Families in Action Madinah House Nekevah Rescue Center The Halfway House The Hope Shelter Goshen House Vision of Hope Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
18. Children’s Homes Provides a loving environment for disadvantaged or abused children (shelter, food, clothing and education) St Michael’s St. Jude’s St Mary’s Children Home St Dominic’s Children Home Emmanuel Community The Hope Centre (SOUTH) CREDO Foundation for Justice Sophia House Islamic Home for Children Bridge of Hope Mother’s Union Children’s Home Marion House Child Welfare League Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
19. The Government remains committed to the protection of children and the preservation of their rights. National Plan of Action Improving wellbeing of children by reducing neglect and abuse Sensitization lectures to increase awareness about the Convention for the rights of the child Review existing systems with the aim of strengthening these systems and develop appropriate action plans. The Children’s Authority- seeking to establish standards of care in children’s homes Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
20. Ministry of Gender Youth and Child Development Collaborates with state, international, regional bodies, academic institutions and civil societies to promote an active and visible gender mainstreaming of all ministries programmes, policies and projects. Gender Training Awareness and Sensitization Programmes. ongoing gender training and sensitization with various agencies, including government ministries, the armed forces, schools and the general public through publication, workshops, TV and radio programmes. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
21. Initiatives in 2011 Public Sensitization on Child Abuse and Domestic Violence In November 2010, a series of public forums on child abuse and domestic violence were launched. Sensitization of out of school youth about issues of DV and child abuse. Collaboration with Managers of Shelters the preparation of Terms of Reference for the establishment of a shelter for victims of domestic violence. Based on many requests obtained from public sensitization community forums for additional facilities to provide this service. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
22. Partnership with the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) and NGOs -Break the silence Marches / Walks against violence were coordinated. Child Abuse Registry - A data collection mechanism and staffing requirements identified in the initial planning. Central Registry on Gender based/Domestic Violence The Report and Recommendations of a pilot on the Establishment of a Central registry for DV in T&T National Parenting Programmes established to ensure that parents have the necessary skill sets to adequately meet the individual needs of their children. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)
23. Preparation of a Draft Social Marketing Campaign on Child Protection Key social sector stakeholders collaborated to educate and sensitize the public on child protection issues Preparation to conduct a National Symposium on Child Protection and Implementation of the Child Protection Decree – A draft proposal for the conduct of the National Symposium was prepared. Prepared by: Siobhan Burroughs (Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago)