This year's International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women has come and gone but the physical, sexual and psychological harm against women continues to rise. Citizens for a Better T&T (CBTT) is on record as saying that legal, social, political and economic equality for women has been hampered because of the widespread violence against women. We agree with those who believe that victims should speak out but once they do so they must be protected from the perpetrators. It is well known that women have been killed or maimed even after they are divorced or separated from an abusive spouse. Where is the support for women who don't work? Can victims rely on the police or the State if they openly speak out against their abusive partners? For many years, citizens have been encouraging CBTT to build a home for victims of domestic violence and child abuse but funding has been the problem.
We are fortunate to have many individuals and organisations that contribute to a universal awareness of violence against women, otherwise the situation may have been much worse. Destitute women, those in institutions or detention, women with disabilities and elderly females are also vulnerable to violence. Many victims of domestic violence are crying out for help but they don't feel comfortable reporting their cases to police officers, many of whom are rogues. There are also very few homes where they can go to seek protection. As a result, they remain in the abusive relationship and hope for a miracle. Some of them turn to obeah men and places of worship to try to get their husbands to quit the bottle since they are beaten only when their men have too much to drink.
If a man or woman is abusive while you are courting him/her, then don't have too much expectation that he/she will change after marriage. Thousands of victims in T&T can testify to this. We need to tell young people before they become involved in relationships that abuse is wrong. Our young men must get the message from early that controlling and violent behaviour is wrong and will not be condoned. Violence against men is also increasing and it will not be long before this problem becomes a major issue. However, we again condemn the widespread acts of violence against women and hope that a greater effort will be made by the authorities to help those who choose to desert violent homes. It's time that we reach out to all those who are being abused to tell them that help is available to them.
Harrack Balramsingh
CBTT, La Romain