The mother of a murdered domestic violence victim, who successfully sued the State for failing to protect her daughter from her abusive ex-boyfriend, has expressed hope that other victims will benefit from her legal victory.
In a brief telephone interview, yesterday afternoon, Tot Lampkin said, “I wish it could help other women because I know other people who were in mine and my daughter’s position and are crying out for help but they are not getting any help.”
She said she was elated by the outcome, especially for her ten-year-old grandson, whom she has raised since her daughter Samantha Isaacs’ murder in late 2017.
“I am feeling good that justice has been served. This would not bring back my daughter but at least it will give peace of mind and pave a better way for her son,” she said.
Lampkin said she was pleased to take care of her grandson, whom she described as a “carbon copy” of her daughter.
“Well, after my daughter passed, raising her son was a pleasure. It has not been a day that I don’t cry because I always think of my daughter,” she said.
Describing him as “well disciplined and behaved”, she said, “You know what he is, my tower of strength. He is always there to cheer me up. He is totally blessed.”
Lampkin said the case was not an indictment against the entire T&T Police Service (TTPS).
“I am not saying all police are bad but there are some that don’t give you justice,” she said.
Contacted yesterday, former Coalition Against Domestic Violence president Roberta Clarke, whom Lampkin thanked for being instrumental in her pursuing the case, said the judgment would serve as an important legal precedent.
“It outlines for the first time the legal responsibility of the State to act effectively to protect victims. This includes, I would say, timely consideration of applications for protection orders, enforcement of orders and proactive policing,” she said.
A legal source said Attorney General Reginald Armour would have to consider whether the judgment should be appealed, as it may lead to an avalanche of cases from other domestic violence victims who faced similar circumstances as Lampkin and her daughter.
