The Victim and Witness Support Unit (VWSU) says it has been preparing for the anticipated increases in home invasions and domestic violence, as the next few weeks sees the country locked down during the Stay at Home order announced by the Government, in its attempt to flatten the curve against the community spread of COVID-19,
The VWSU also is partnering with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (TTAP) to provide liaison services between the T&T Police Service (TTPS) and TTAP for suicidal persons during the crisis.
In a release issued on Monday, the Unit said it "remains focused, ready and willing to give the requisite assistance and support needed to enable citizens to traverse this current pandemic".
"The Victims and Witness Support Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues to assist and lend support where needed, in spite of the current constraints due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus," it said.
"Interventions have been modified to adhere to the safety protocols and Government's guidelines as the Unit continues to support victims and investigations," the VWSU statement added.
Over the past ten days the VWSU’s activities included:
Providing statement support for a Venezuelan minor in Counter Trafficking investigations;
Assisting 48 domestic violence victims across various policing divisions;
Supporting victims of recent home invasions, sexual offences against minors, and the families of the victims of homicides, road fatalities and suicide; and
Responding to a request for support to relatives of the second COVID-19 death.
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Story by RHONDOR DOWLAT-ROSTANT