Protection Orders can make an abuser: • Leave any place or residence for a specified period; • Return property to the applicant; • Pay compensation for money the applicant may have lost; • Pay money for the applicant’s and his/her children’s benefit; • Give up any firearm or weapon he/she possesses to the police; • Pay rent; • Provide care for any children; • Undertake professional counselling from an approved agency. If the abuser breaches the protection order:
Hugh Wooding Law School Human Rights Law Clinic
What must be proven? A magistrate grants this order where the court is satisfied that the respondent is committing, has committed, or is likely to commit acts of domestic violence against the applicant. To grant the Protection Order, the magistrate considers all the circumstances of the applicant’s case. 1. Keep records of the details of the acts 2. Visit a doctor at a public hospital, or privately, immediately for a written report of your injuries and condition. 3. Take photographs of your injuries 4. Get names of any witnesses who are willing to come forward. 5. Make a report to the police of your district Always be specific about what happened but stick to what is relevant.
V—Violent O– Occurrences I– I
He commits an offence under Section 20 of the Act.
First breach: a maximum fine of $9,000.00 or a maximum of three months in prison.
WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Alcohol or substance abuse
Second breach: the maximum fine is $15,000.00 and/or imprisonment for a period of 24 months.
Lack of education
Anger management issues
Family issues and problems
Socio-economic difficulties
WHO MAY APPLY?- The person who
Poor communication between partners
makes this application (the applicant) can be a spouse, a member of the respondent’s household on behalf of another person, a child, a dependant, a parent, a sibling, a person having a child in common with the respondent, a person in a relationship with the respondent or in certain circumstances, a police officer, probation officer or approved social worker.
Lack of family planning
Keep up with the work of our team members Saeed Hamid, Olivia Ramesar, Mera Maharaj and Leandrea Lutchman on social media at:
Traditional values and beliefs
Hwls.edu.tt/humanrights
Power imbalances
Family and societal pressures
Facebook page: Hugh Wooding Law School Human Rights Law Clinic
Extra marital affairs
Third breach: a maximum of five years imprisonment.
C—Can E– Eradicate VOICE is a project which aims to raise more awareness of domestic violence in Trinidad and Tobago and to educate the public on the causes & types of domestic violence and the ways they can assist or be assisted.
USE YOUR VOICE!
What is domestic violence? I am forced to consumed drugs or alcohol by a member of my household My money is taken away by a member of my household
SPEAK OUT: Join campaigns and community groups to raise awareness about domestic violence. The more persons come forward the better we can prevent it from occurring and potentially save lives.
I am insulted by a member of my household I live in fear of someone in my household Domestic violence is defined as physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial abuse committed by a person against a spouse, child, any other member of the household or a dependant.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHECK LIST
HOW DO I KNOW IF
These are just a few examples of Domestic Violence. However, if you checked any of the boxes above you may be a victim of domestic violence in the vein of physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and/or sexual abuse.
WHAT CAN I DO?
I’M A VICTIM? I am slapped, or beaten by a member of my household (or any physical attacks) I am often cursed at and insulted by a member of my household
TALK TO SOMEONE: If you’re a victim, do not underestimate the power of talking to friends, family or medical professionals. Domestic violence takes a toll on your mental health.
OBJECT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Ensure you do your part to stand up to domestic violence. Do not stay in abusive homes for any reason at all! And always remember to… PROTECT YOURSELF: Seek a Protection Order and assistance from the Police and the law. Leave the abusive home and seek shelter elsewhere.
What is a protection order?
S— SPEAK OUT!
A member of my household takes away my financial freedom or my salary
T– TALK TO SOMEONE!
A member of my household forces me to have sex
P– PROTECT YOURSELF!
I am touched inappropriately by a member of my household
HOTLINE: 1 (868) - 800—SAVE (7283)
O– OBJECT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A protection order is an order of the court preventing an abuser from engaging or threatening to engage in conduct which would constitute domestic violence towards the applicant or a child of the applicant or a dependant.