Senior Reporter
jannelle.bernard@cnc3.co.tt
While international statistics indicate that one in three women are victims of domestic violence, one development consultant says it is time for more research.
Sherna Alexander Benjamin, of the Centre for Non-Violence Research and Development, said reported incidents of domestic violence had been steadily increasing, but this was not being reflected in the data.
“With all of these services, we continue to see violence within the home, within the community, and also domestic and sexual violence increasing, and for over a decade, we’ve been seeing one in three women have been or will be a victim of domestic violence. The numbers are increasing. Why are we still using one in three in 2024?” she said.
“There must be a point where the needle is stuck, and we need to understand through research, through investigation, through understanding what exists, so that state actors, non-profit organisations, and the people themselves can make informed decisions.”
Benjamin was echoing the sentiments of other activists who also believe T&T had enough legislation and policies governing the protection of women, but little action has been taken to implement them.
“I go back to what you would have mentioned: enforcement, being able to really roll these adjustments out in real time, and more so, a changing of the culture. How do we start with that very important conversation where there is that cultural shift at home, at school, in the place of work, and just how we deal with and treat with each other, that man and woman interaction? But also acknowledging that we have a culture that perpetuates and enables violence within all spheres.”
This year’s UNITE campaign for the 16 days of activism calls for immediate action to end violence against women and girls.
It began on November 25 and will conclude on December 10.
