Summary Bios “Prevention requires a clear vision of what we are working for, not only what we are working against and a commitment to social change.� - O.A.B.I
CONTENTS
Who We are 6 About Us 7 Mission, Value, and Vision Statements 8 Local Registrations 11 Organization Chart 12 Volunteer Board of Directors 14 Volunteer Legal Team 16 Our Services 18 Our Founder and Executive Director 20 Organizational Milestones 22
Reflections 26 Way Forward Short-term, Medium and Long-term goals 30 Types of Ongoing Support 32 Contact and Banking information 34 Pictures of our work in review 36
Additional Notes 72
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Who we are in Summary ď ľO.A.B.I.:
Organisation for Abused and Battered Individuals is a Non-Profit service provider organisation which advocates for the prevention of all forms of Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, and its elimination against all with specific advocacy for women and children. We utilise advocacy, networking, capacity development, education and training, and technology as tools to empower and encourage, bring about awareness, foster social change, and create programs for sustainable, academic and economic empowerment and development. 6
Our Founder and Executive Director
Our Founder and Executive Director ď ľOur Founder and Exec-
utive Director Sherna Alexander Benjamin continues to break barriers despite the challenges of having no resources at her disposal she uses her voice, mobilises people, the youths, and positively uses technology to Make A Difference for future generations.
About O.A.B.I. Organization for Abused and Battered Individuals (pronounced OHABI) O.A.B.I.: Organization for Abused and Battered Individuals was founded in 2008, due to the rapid increase in cases of Gender-Based Violence and abuse and its relation to poverty, mental illness, health, crime, and education. However, the organisation was officially launched in May of 2011. The organisation exists to address the needs of all women and girls, men and boys and vulnerable persons within Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. It aims to tackle these issues
through advocacy, working towards changing cultural and socially accepted norms about offenders and victims, participate in research, lobby for policies, for legislation to protect victims and for an efficient and effective judiciary. Our organisation seeks ways to work with law enforcement, encourage sustainable youth development and assist individuals to develop creative innovative business models to help victims of violence become self-sustainable while incor-
porating the sustainable development goals, pushing for green growth and gender equity and equality. We consistently work towards preventative intervention strategies, victim safety, training and education, alleviating poverty, illiteracy, having open conversations about abuse and mental health, lobbying for primary prevention intervention , victim advocacy units and a batterers intervention programme. Violence in any form undermines the fundamental human rights of an individual, and it continues to plague many families, communities and nations. It
is the hope of O.A.B.I to make a positive difference and work towards a violent free, safe and healthy society for all. We are a member of the Network of NGO’s for the Advancement of Women, The NGO Caribbean Development Foundation and we network with various organisations like WINAD, FPA and others across the Civil Society Sector. We also launched the Anti-Child Marriage Campaign in 2016 and continue to advocate for the raising of the contractual age for marriage among many other advocacy topics. 7
OUR MISSION To empower and encourage through the use of advocacy, education, training, and technology for the prevention and reduction of Gender-Based Violence.
OUR VALUE STATEMENT Providing, promoting, and maintaining a client-oriented atmosphere with ethical principles of confidentiality, transparency, resiliency, and accountability in everything we do. Protecting and serving our clients is our first priority. 8
OUR VISION To have an empowered society which prevents genderbased violence and abuse and supports victims through advocacy, training and technology. To assist in the empowerment of: local government, to ensure a healthy and productive population; law enforcement, to develop the necessary skills for a deeper understanding and an empathetic victim perspective; child and adult victims, to obtain the information, support, and directions needed to move forward and have a healthy development; educational institutions, through collaboration and research; the global community, through the innovative exchange of ideas and resource development. To work with abusers to change and correct their destructive behaviours. To foster a violent free sustainable and healthy society for all.
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Registration: Ministry of Legal Affairs, Company Registrar Office Certificate of Incorporation.
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Registration: Board of Inland Revenue
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Volunteer Board of Directors
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Dr Mary Jo Odom Dull Sherna Alexander Benjamin Tricia McIntosh Blossom Hudson Dr Jerome Teelucksingh Johnathan Bhagan Karinna Alexander Esther Shade Judy Henry 15
Volunteer Legal Team
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Head Legal Team: Delerene Liverpool Kavell Joseph Gina Maharaj Chimere Gibson Wadi
Tamara Dolsingh Janine Joseph Nura Ali Johnathan Bhagan 17
Our Services
Advocate at all levels for the prevention, reduction and elimination of all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence against women and girls. All levels means, individual, community, institutional, legislative and regional; Provide community outreach to bring awareness and to educate community residents about gender-equity and various forms of gender-based violence; Our legal team provides advice to clients and their families and work with them through the reporting and judiciary process; Offer individual and Family support and counselling (Psychosocial and therapeutic services); Host safe space group meetings for victim support and break out sessions; Digital Empowerment of women and girls;
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Provide training and workshop courses in different areas (for example, victim advocacy, conflict resolution and therapeutic mediation, social and emotional intelligence, human capacity development); Provide life enhancement and empowerment sessions for women and girls to become self-sustainable and independent;
Capacity development workshops for external organizations and our own organization;
Assist with Research;
Youth development and Mentoring;
Client referral;
Poverty alleviation projects;
Sourcing of safe housing and shelters for victims;
Embarking on organisation networking, collaboration and partnerships.
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Who is Sherna Alexander Benjamin?
Sherna is the Founder and Executive Director of O.A.B.I.: Organization for Abused and Battered Individuals, she is the recipient of a national Youth Award which was given to her in August of 2014 from The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago acknowledging her work with women, children and youths. She is unmarried and is the mother of two daughters. Sherna is a certified victim advocate from the US Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crimes, she is presently a World Pulse Ambassador, is pursuing her legal studies at the university of Essex, and also pursuing a social work program at the University of the West Indies. Being a victim of severe psychological, physical and sexual abuse as a child she draws strength from the debris of her life to use her voice, pen, and technology to advocate for change at all levels of society. During her adult life, Sherna also experienced various forms of abuse she understands the associations between gender-based violence (different forms of violence and teenage pregnancies, poverty, crime, education, mental health and short-term and long-term health factors which are associated with violence. Lack of support for victims of violence continues to be one of the most difficult challenges which she faces. However, despite the mounting odds against her she continues to advocate 20 for change and work assiduously to support women and girls on their journey
of empowerment and self-sustainability, engage men and boys as it relates to anger, aggression, and communication. work with young people to realise their dreams, and ignite hope for victims to remain safe and reclaim their life. Youth development, mentoring and assisting young people with educational supplies continues to be a foundation principle of the organisation together with giving persons a hand-up and not a handout from extreme poverty. As she firmly believes that no child should be hungry or be hindered from educational advancements. While Sherna still has a long way to go on her own journey of healing and at times she feels like giving up the cause, her experiences with pain, poverty, social isolation and alienation, economic deprivation, abuse and suicidal thoughts, keeps her forging ahead but more so seeing the gradual development of those she serves and work with allows her to continue, however, many say it is her desire and patriotism for country, humanity and God which propels her. It just maybe a combination of them all. Sherna would often say “writing saved me.” and one can definitely see this in her writing as it is a form of expression and healing for her and she encourages others to write, sing, dance, paint or swim across the ocean if that is what it would take to help you heal a part of your life.
One of her written pieces which was published by TIME.com in October of 2016 UN WOMEN Caribbean published an article about her after she gave the featured address at the European Union Delegation to Trinidad Event in December of 2016 can be seen here: She likes to be called a servant of humanity for she says “in serving others one truly understands what it means to lead.” 21
Some Organizational Milestones 2016 - Launched the Solidarity Gatherings which are monthly gatherings to bring national awareness to the different forms of violence which continues to undermine the socio-economic health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities and to encourage citizens to become active change makers and unite towards the process of change, reduction of crime and for the sustainable development of our country. The #SolidarityGatherings are citizens coming together advocating for change and with the hope that through small community actions we can make small changes which will be transformed into large national change as we work together.
2016- Partnered with the Gender and Child Affairs Unit for the CARE Packages Drive, Our or ganization collected over 70 care packages which were handed to Gender and Child Affairs Unit for distribution to residents of various domestic violence shelters.
2016 – Participated in developing the CEDAW shadow report for Trinidad and Tobago which was presented in Geneva in July 2016. 2016 - US Court used our BAVINO Programme (Because Abuse and Violence is Never an Option - this is a court mandated batterers intervention program) 2016- Launch of The VASCO Center (Victim Advocacy Ser vice Center and Office) under the patronage of the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Gender and Child Affairs. The Honorable Ayanne Webster-Roy. (we are presently looking for a dedicated space) 22 This is the launch of the VASCO Centre
National Television agencies who reported on the Launch: Ccn Tv6 and Cnc3 Several newspaper articles was also published regarding the launch.
2016- Signed a MOU with NICOLA – New International Company Of Live Arts. One of Europe’s largest and most recognized youth led organization which works globally in various areas for youth development, discrimination, music labs, crime reduction programs using their talent school, and in the area of entrepreneurship and talent. Their website
2016 – Got listed on the Living Waters Community program to assist families who are living in abject poverty. 2016- Signed MOU with Inomedia Productions, to work together to produce a series of documentaries highlighting various social ills which affect many in society from a Caribbean context inclusive of stories of hope and resilience. 2016- Signed MOU with FEEL (Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life). Tr inidad and Tobago. To receive monthly supplies of grocery and other supplies to distribute to poor families.
2016 - Engaged in various workshops, community outreach and offered family support. 23
Some Organizational Milestones 2015- The World Bank Group asked for our contr ibutions towar ds their 2016 publication on Women, Business and the Law our acknowledgement can be found on page 262 of the publication:
2015- The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago Joint Select Committee (JSC) asked for our recommendations and comments around services provided to victims of domestic violence.
2015- Invited by Gender and Child Affairs to sit with the Commonwealth Secretariat team to discuss the Commonwealth Gender Equality's Plan of Action we were also invited to submit recommendations for the revision of the POA to implement in 2016.
2015- Operation Dominica Relief in collaboration with Zandoli International, posted in the Hugh Wooding Gavel.
2015 - Began annual collaboration with National Library and Information Systems (NALIS) for a series of public workshops, images can be accessed by viewing albums listed:
2014- Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Workshop on working with victims of Domestic Violence. This workshop was done at all of their branches 24
2014, 2015, 2016 Received the Great Non-Profits Seal for being one of the top rated NGO’s for years stated. The Great Nonprofits seal is the second most recognized after the Better Business Bureau seal in the USA. Our organization Page on GNP
2014- Agreement with D’Angelous Productions to produce the television and web series ‘The Innocence Project Initiative’ See trailer.
2013- Partner with PROSAF of St. Lucia for the One Billion Rising Event.
2011-Present- Listed on the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at the University of The West Indies, St Augustine Website as a BTS Networ k Break The Silence: end child sexual abuse
Listed on the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at the University of The West Indies, St Augustine directory under the NGO's, Women's Organisation and Community Organisation's page
2011- Domestic Violence and Abuse Caravan visiting various communities. 2011 - Officially launched organization at the Malabar Community Centre with a wide r ange of or ganisations and professionals present including representatives from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. 25
Reflections While we will not list all our milestones or accomplishments we always feel honoured to speak about the lives of those we have impacted from 2012 to present day and while we do not have a dedicated space to function from something which is critical for us, our professional volunteers and for the clients we serve we continue to work with a high level of dedication and professionalism even though we are a grassroots organisation. In many cases, we cannot call names or take photos for security reasons and protect children from further shame and families from the often social attacks from many in society. In the last four years, we have directly impacted the lives of hundreds of children, adolescents and young adults. We have worked with over 25 women who made the personal decisions to leave their abusive relations and through campaigning our friends, families, directors, and Facebook friends and fans we have helped some of the women go back to school, get employments, and most importantly helped them with the renting of an apartment to begin the journey of reclaiming their lives, individual members of the public still continue to support some of the women as the process after abuse is often the most critical and women need at least 24 months of support to be able to transition into some balance and independence. Our organisation have directly supported approximately two hundred and fifty children with school items, textbooks, uniforms, sneakers and transportation cost once again not through government support but with the help of private citizens. We have 45 children whom we work with each year and we monitor their academic progress each year those numbers increase . 26
We continue to work with members of the public and through our public training and workshops, we have trained approximately eight hundred and fifty individuals whom we hope that they would take the information and share with family and friends which will give an indirect impact. Our legal team continue to engage in pro bono work for many of our clients as the judicial process can be daunting, intimidating and confusing which often leads to a low conviction rate as many victims drop cases or do not report at all. Our volunteer professionals continue to offer psychosocial and clinical support to victims, their children and their families. While we continue to face numerous challenges we cannot give up, too many persons depend on us, we have seen way too many success stories, we have also seen many relapses and while the work is far from over we will continue to advocate at all levels, connect with the man on the ground, find ways for individuals to develop conflict resolution skills, use our voices on behalf of those who are voiceless and make sure that we invest in future generations today. It is our individual and collective duty to show empathy, be humanitarians, and serve our country in helping to develop, protect and keep safe our nation's most priceless resource which is its people, it is our duty to stand as a vanguard on behalf of the nation's most vulnerable, marginalized and weak which is our women and girls who are literally preyed upon even by those within the confines of the family unit who swore to love, support and protect them. Many of the nation's children are afraid to go home because home is where the criminal resides comfortably and home is no longer or have never been a safe haven for hundreds. If not home then, Where do they go? How do they manifest their silent but public cries for help? And how does society label them? I think many of us already know the answers to these27question.
Advocate, Action, Results , and Success as we plan a way forward Short-term Projects: Physical Space: Acquir ing a physical space is a matter of pr ior ity for our organisation at this time as we can no longer continue to utilise the spaces of other civil society organisations or loaned private spaces at times dates and times of usages clash, and the environment may not be conducive to work effectively with clients and their families and the constant moving to different spaces undermines stability, credibility and transparency. And our team is unable to effectively work and yield high productivity levels. Also due to the high volume of cases, and the ability to maintain international best practices and boost our marketability is often compromised we are unable to welcome the international persons who often reach out to us to offer their services and work with us not only enhance our skills but to serve our clients and assist us with resource mobilisation. Acquiring of the space is being sought through the donation of a space, developing a fundraising mechanism to be able to lease, purchase or rent a space or have a potential donor sponsor the space. 24- Hour 800 line: To receive institutional victim complaints regar ding services offer support with the development of risk assessment and safety plans and a safe space for victims to reach just to talk.
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Re-Establishment of our DV Victim Advocacy Drop-In unit
within in our acquired office space: The DV Victim Advocacy Drop-In Service Centre provides counselling, training, legal support and a host of other services, Request for an in-depth document can be forwarded upon request regarding the purpose of the unit within the organizations office. we work with victims to become sustainable. Our original space was launched in February of 2016 however,
in September of 2016, we had to move because the Health and Safety Officer could not approve it as it only had one entry which was used as exit and entry points. Our organization have been short-listed to be an auxiliary organisation for the Juvenile Court project. CXC preparation classes for Victims of violence and teenage mothers at NALIS: Due to NALIS str ingent budget cuts while they are partnering with us for the second year to offer training and support to women and girls they can no longer afford to absorb the cost for the use of the rooms. We are seeking sponsors to assist financially as it relates to the room cost. As we offer CXC preparation classes to groups of 25 women and girls. This is a program for women who were victims of violence and for young girls who dropped
out of school because they became pregnant due to incest, domestic violence and or rape. All tutoring will be offered free of charge by university lecturers who have offered their time, experience, and skills as a way of giving back..
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Advocate, Action, Results , and Success as we plan a way forward Medium to Long-term Projects: The Organization for Abuse and Battered Individuals would like to initiate ‘The CEILINGS Project’ (Community Empowerment for Individual Safety and Sustainable Livelihoods.) Which is a five (5) year pilot project. The Community Empowerment for Individual Safety and Sustainable Livelihoods Project will be a community based, women and girls capacity building project which focuses on, information gathering, implementation of a series of action programmes which looks at the following thematic areas: Individual and Family safety, Women and girls Health and wellness, and Women’s economic empowerment and advancement, and engaging with community members in each of the thematic areas listed. The project will have specific topic areas which will focus on the thematic areas be addressed and also tailored to the four communities where the project will be implemented. One action programme within this project is the establishment of a domestic violence and safe space drop-in centre for victims of violence and their families to receive support, counselling, therapy, access legal advice, and professional referrals and assistance for safe and effective life transition. Social Entrepreneur Business Model for Organization: The development and implementation of a strategic business model for the organization which would help the organisation grow and develop not only in assets but also in the area of sustainability while developing job opportunities for citizens. 30
Establishment of a temporary transitional housing shelter: Every month law enforcement officers are placed in a position where they must seek out temporary shelters for victims of violence, the government and other key stakeholders have voiced their concerns regarding the shortage of shelters. Even with the present situation victims are often made to face a grim reality of choosing to go to a shelter which does not accept children as such many victims decide to remain with the abuser because they fear separation of their children. Establishing a temporary transitional housing Shelter will not help all victims but it will help some and reduce the burdens of law enforcement, victims and afford them a safe and secure space beyond 12 weeks.
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Types of Ongoing Support Needed Ongoing Support Needs:
Donation of items
New or slightly used clothing;
Furniture and appliances items for victims and families from various communities who we work with;
Grocery items;
Hygienic supplies;
Stationery and school items;
Prenatal items and clothing (to fill baby boxes to donate to the expectant mothers we are working with from the St. James Health centre);
Mattress, Beds;
Materials for doing slight repairs to rooms and buildings of those families who live in indigent poverty.
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Professional Services:
Professional fundraiser, marketing and event planner (critical);
Professionals for monitoring and evaluating projects;
Professionals to work with individuals in the area of selfdevelopment, assist with job sourcing for clients, assist clients with the creation of business plans and business development;
Individuals to offer their expert services in the area of accounting and management as this would be needed as we seek to develop proposals and apply for local, regional and international grants for our projects;
Communication strategist;
Proficient grant writer and proposal.
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Contact and Banking Information Website: www.oabivoices.org
Organization Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/OabiOrganization
VASCO Unit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheVascoCenter/ (Please note our Facebook pages and our website is continually being updated with information and images from work which we have done)
Emails: shernabenjamin@oabivoices.org oabi@oabivoices.org admin@oabivoices.org
Telephone contact: 1 (868) 798-6185
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Banking Information: RBC ROYAL BANK OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Limited (RBC) Name on the account: O.A.B.I (Organization for Abused and Battered Individuals) Account number: 110000001303738 Branch 919 – Trincity Mall Trincity. Trinidad. West Indies SWIFT code/Routing number: R B T T T T P X
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Our work in review 
Partnering for Public Health Awareness
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Working with school PTA’s and teachers to conduct various workshops with parents, students and teachers.
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Our Community Out Reach, Poverty Alleviation and Family support. Programs.
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Our Community Out Reach, Poverty Alleviation and Family support. Programs.
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Our Community Out Reach, Poverty Alleviation and Family support. Programs.
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School supplies distribution
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Providing School Uniforms, books and Sneakers working with our Youths to excel, preparing them for success.
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Student outreach, Break The Silence and social media work-
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Student outreach, Break The Silence and social media workshops
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Student outreach, Break The Silence and social media workshops
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Student outreach, Break The Silence and social media workshops
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Twice a year we try to treat the children, families and communities we work with.
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Workshops and Training - Family Planning Staff at both POS locations
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Workshops and Training - in collaboration with NALIS
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Children Workshop at NALIS
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Mentoring Young girls and boys from Sea Lots, Beetham, and East Dry River. This was their SEA Lunch and gift event.
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Youth Leaders Workshop
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Mid Year Children and Family Socialisation Event
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Additional Information About O.A.B.I and Founder (at times she will be referred to as Executive Director or Sherna) 2016 - Our Executive Director (Sherna) was placed as a member of the Technical advisory Team for the Caribbean IMPACT JUSTICE Project which is fully funded by the Canadian Government and implemented by UWI- Legal Institute Cavehill Barbados. 2016– O.A.B.I Featured in the May/June Issue of Central Beat Newspapers. And many other organization and individual features over the years. May, 2016 - O.A.B.I Hosted the achieving the Active Mindset workshop with the renowned Dr Brandon from Barbados.
2015– O.A.B.I. Created the 'Second Chance Project' for the Grenada Royal Police force CID Division which will be launched later in 2017, the project is a preventative project directed to young people which also has an area for young persons who have had their first brush with the law and GenderBased Violence prevention and reduction. 2016— O.A.B.I Three day training of Law enforcement officers at all levels for the Grenada Royal Police Force. Executive Director's speech as she was invited to sit on a whole day panel discussion regarding mental health and abuse at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex with the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, Father Harvey, Dr. Hutchkinson and other notable professionals locally and regionally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDJ6xPmxlLE 2008- Present, Continue to be actively engaged in advocacy and activism by partaking in various marches, public and private consultations, seminars and presentations, joining my voice for public officials to set down based on gender-biases against women, pushing for the protection of women and girls and engaging in peace talks at all levels. 2016 - Executive Director attended the IMPACT Justice Media Law Workshop This project allows ease of access and speed of access to justice while reviewing the present legislation and laws within 13 CARICOM States in the Caribbean. 2016 – Certificate of Appreciation - WORLD BANK GROUP Contributions towards the Publication on Women, Business and Law 2016: Getting to Equal. 2016 – WORLD PULSE - Voices of the Future Leadership Training executive director was chosen as one of 30 women from around the world for The World Pulse Voices Of the Future Leadership training. https://www.worldpulse.com/en/community/training/voices-of-our-future-winter-2016
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2016 – WORLD PULSE - Community Champion Sherna was chosen as one of 19 Community Champions and is one of the Leaders for the WORLD PULSE Gender-Based Violence Group. http://www.worldpulse.com/en/global-issues/stories/19-leaders-root-change 2015 - WORLD PULSE - Recognized and featured Sherna in the WORLD PULSE GLOBAL Magazine as one of 7 women globally with 7 Ideas changing lives. Social Entrepreneurs. https://www.worldpulse.com/en/global-issues/stories/7-women-7-ideas-changing-lives 2015- Present– Sherna is a freelance columnist for Caribbean News Now Online Media her column is titled - Inside Paradise . 2014 November, National March through the Borough of Arima for the Elimination of GenderBased Violence. 2014 – Sherna’s Letter of Solidarity submission was chosen from over 500 submissions to be featured. https://www.worldpulse.com/en/global-issues/stories/we-speak-one-voice 2014, O.A.B.I was acknowledged by the Women’s Arm of the Maraval Country Club. Zumba Section for outstanding work in the area of Gender-based Violence Prevention and community service. March 2016, Sherna received a Female Social Entrepreneur Award from Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods. December 2015, O.A.B.I. Invited to submit recommendations for the National Women City Center. Project. August 2015, O.A.B.I Consultation for the Development of a National Communication Strategy to end violence Against Women and Children. June 2015, O.A.B.I contributed to the Gender-Based Violence Consultation for the Development and Implementation of a National Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Action Plan. May 2015, O.A.B.I Invited to submit comments and recommendations to the Parliament Joint Select Committee on Human Rights, Diversity, the Environment and Sustainable Development on their inquiry into the programmes and services which provide support to victims of Domestic Violence. - 2014, O.A.B.I contributed to the Consultation for revising the domestic violence Act. 73
Additional Information About O.A.B.I and Founder (at times she will be referred to as Executive Director or Sherna) June 2014, O.A.B.I was one of the15 members invited to a closed door consultation team meeting which met with former Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar on Child Protection issues, our executive directors was then chosen and asked to present recommendations and comments to the 15 member team after the consultation the former PM asked her to speak to the media together with Diana Mahabir Wyatt. One of our Executive Director’s many interviews regarding domestic violence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEX--pTYbGU A few of the newspaper features: http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-07-30/raped-and-abused-sherna-reaches-out https://www.facebook.com/TTGuardian/photos/ a.87957863066.90374.78081948066/10152274040848067/ http://www.newsday.co.tt/womens_weekly/0,220579.html
http://newsday.co.tt/features/0,145592.html http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-01-06/%E2%80%98education-key-curb-tt%E2%80%99
domestic- n violence
A few of Sherna’s articles from Caribbean News Now: Inside Paradise: Imprisoned by violence: http://caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Inside-Paradise%3A-Personal-Safety---Imprisoned-by-violence -29871.html Inside Paradise: It's time Caribbean leaders become part of the solution Inside Paradise: The price of progress is high: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Inside-Paradise%3A-The-price-of-progress-is-high -28838.html 74
Inside Paradise: Do you see anything to smile about?: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Inside-Paradise%3A-Do-you-see-anything-to-smile-about%3F-28893.html
Inside Paradise: Turning empathy into action Inside Paradise: Turning empathy into action Inside Paradise: How one woman overcame racism in the Caribbean and went on to win the coveted crown Queen of Calypso : http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Inside-Paradise%3A-How-one-woman-overcame-racism-in-the-Caribbean29274.html
Sherna often submit letters to the editors of various newspapers: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151204/letters-to-the-editor/if-we-forget-them-we-too-shallbe-forgotten
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151111/editorial/work-to-end-gender-based-violence
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Quotes from the book “Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” written by Judith Lewis Herman,
“Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.” “It is very tempting to take the side of the perpetrator. All the perpetrator asks is that the bystander do nothing. He appeals to the universal desire to see, hear, and speak no evil. The victim, on the contrary, asks the bystander to share the burden of pain. The victim demands action, engagement, and remembering.” “When trust is lost, traumatized people feel that they belong more to the dead than to the living.” “The legal system is designed to protect men from the superior power of the state but not to protect women or children from the superior power of men. It therefore provides strong guarantees for the rights of the accused but essentially no guarantees for the rights of the victim. If one set out by design to devise a system for provoking intrusive post-traumatic symptoms, one could not do better than a court of law.” “The guarantee of safety in a battering relationship can never be based upon a promise from the perpetrator, no matter how heartfelt. Rather, it must be based upon the self-protective capability of the victim. Until the victim has developed a detailed and realistic contingency plan and has demonstrated her ability to carry it out, she remains in danger of repeated abuse.”