The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services has reopened The Shelter, a safe house for victims of domestic violence.
The ministry said the reopening of The Shelter after three years is in keeping with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ drive to support the most vulnerable in their most critical time of need.
Attending the event was line minister Donna Cox and John Scott Hamilton, the chairman of The Shelter, and Sharon Harford, chairman of the Fundraising Committee.
Aimed at providing a safe and secure refuge for survivors of abuse and their children, The Shelter offers temporary housing and counselling services to their clients as part of their rehabilitation.
Some of the services offered include medical care, therapeutic counselling, skill set training, legal support and school placement for the children of residents.
Addressing the gathering, Cox commend the organisation stating: “Today’s reopening is a demonstration of the determination of this organisation to continue its much-needed support of vulnerable women and children in Trinidad and Tobago.”
She added: “Engendering and supporting healthy functional families is among one of the core areas of priority at the ministry and as such, through our National Family Services Division, outreach services are provided to families to assist individuals, groups, single parents and couples through counselling, advice, advocacy and referrals.”
She also drew reference to data from the National Domestic Violence Registry showing that assault by beating, verbal abuse, malicious damage and breach of protection orders are by far the most worrying offences associated with domestic violence.
“These have increased by over 30 per cent in some cases as a result of COVID-19. For example, assault by beating doubled in 2021; from 450 reported cases in 2019 to 865 in 2020 and was already close to 865 in March 2021,” she said.
Cox also noted that the ministry’s NGO Unit is capably resourced and most willing to collaborate to provide support and to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services provided by NGOs, FBOs and CSOs.
She added: “As the Government continues on its path to recovery, while simultaneously developing a culture of resilience; the need for social and transitional and emergency housing has been placed as top priority towards improving the living standards and quality of lives of our citizenry. The MSDFS recognises the need for victims of such violence to advance to independent living. Therefore, we can be assured that this facility will be put to good use.”
John Scott Hamilton indicated that the organisation looks forward to advocating for justice for survivors and will continue to provide holistic healing for the residents.
He said the building can now comfortably house 21 residents and consists of bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a counselling room, a TV/play room, living/dining room, kitchen, library, an area for art therapy and a computer centre and an outdoor play area for the children.”