What is Domestic Violence?

In Trinidad and Tobago ,according to the Domestic Violence Act, 1999 “domestic violence” includes physical, sexual, emotional or psychological or financial abuse committed by a person against a spouse, child, any other person who is a member of the household, or dependant.

 

Types of Abuse that qualify as Domestic Violence

• Physical Abuse means any act or omission which causes physical injury.
• Sexual Abuse includes sexual contact of any kind that uses force or threat of force, that is sexual contact against the persons will.
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse means a pattern of behaviour  which is intended to hurt the emotional or mental well-being of a person including:
  • persistent use of abusive or threatening language to scare the person
  • persistently  following of the person from place to place
  • not allowing the person to use his/her own property
  • watching or harassing the person at the place where they live, work, go to school, conduct any business or just happens to be
  • interfering with or damaging the property of the person
  • restricting the person’s movement
  • constantly calling the person at home or at work
  • making unwelcome and repeated contact with a child or elderly relative of the person with the intent to harass or cause fear.
• Financial Abuse means exercising control over the person’s money or limiting them from accessing money so that they become dependent on the abuser for money.

 

What Can You Do In A Situation of Domestic Violence?

Tell an adult you know and trust about the domestic violence. It could be a family member, a neighbour, a teacher, a guidance officer, or someone else who cares about your well-being. An adult family member, police officer or social worker can apply for a Protection Order on your behalf.

 

Applying for a Protection Order

A Protection Order is a direction given by the Courts, ordering the abuser to stop the domestic violence and/or stay away from those members of the family protected by the Protection Order.

 

Are children Protected by Protection Orders?

YES! A Child…

• of the abuser
• of the spouse/partner of the abuser
• whose guardian is the abuser
• whose guardian is the spouse/partner of the abuser
• who is or has been a member of the household where the abuse is taking place