UPR Sexual Rights Database

Mid Term Progress Report:
In October 2011, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar committed her Government to reviewing the marriage laws that provide for marriage of persons under the age of eighteen with the aim of changing the law so as to ensure that children's rights are protected. Since that time, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development has been in consultation with all major stakeholders so as to bring consensus to the standardization of the legal age for marriage. Since the last consultation in 2013, the Government and stakeholders have made significant progress on these issues.

National Report:
Para 85) With regard to the eradication of violence against women, in February 2014, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Central Registry on Domestic Violence for the purpose of collecting, collating, and analysing data on gender-based violence as a basis for informing policy and programmes aimed at reducing gender-based violence. An Inter- Ministerial Committee was also established in that same year to oversee the setting up of the Registry.
Para 86) Other initiatives in relation to the eradication of violence against women include the review of the Domestic Violence Act, 1999 which was conducted in 2014-2015 with a view to introducing reforms for the greater protection of victims of domestic violence; the construction of 6 new safe house facilities for victims of domestic violence to be completed in 2015; and the implementation of Women City Centres which will provide integrated services for women relating to violence against women, economic autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, community education and child care.

Mid Term Progress Report:
As regards the eradication of all forms of violence against women and gender-based violence, the Government has adopted a multi-faceted approach:
-A multi-sectoral Committee on Domestic Violence produced a Procedural Manual for Police Officers and a Report including comprehensive recommendations for addressing domestic violence. The Procedures Manual was approved by Cabinet.
-The Gender Affairs Division of the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development conducts ongoing training and public education using various media, to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence. A large volume of publications is produced each year aimed at public information and sensitization.
-The Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) at the University of the West Indies implemented a highly successful "Breaking the Silence" project which conducted research and raised awareness nationally and in communities on the incidence of incest.
-The Government Information Service (GIS) Radio Unit produced and broadcasted a series of radio programmes that focused on violence against women and addressed traditional stereotypes regarding the role of women and men in society. Specific programmes that encouraged the public to discuss these issues and become proactive in finding solutions included: "Women Can," "Balancing the Sexes/Female Empowerment," "Family Time, Let's Talk," "Domestic Violence," "Domestic Violence - What is Love?," and "Healing our Families."
-The Family Court initiative, which was piloted in 2003, provides victims of domestic violence with access to mediation and redress. Currently the Judiciary is in the process of reviewing the Family Court project with a view to expanding it throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Victims of domestic violence are able to have their cases heard in the Family Court, in an environment that is more private, and less adversarial than the Magistrate Courts or the High Court.
-Increased sensitization on the Domestic Violence Act, 1999 which provides Protection Orders for victims, as well as penalties, fines and possible imprisonment for breaches of the Protection Order.
-Increased media attention to domestic violence has resulted in a clear shift in public opinion from views of the past, which considered domestic violence in the home as a private matter.
-Increased emphasis has been placed on the implementation of Masculinity Programmes to equip men with strategies to cope with their changing roles and responsibilities, encourage shared family responsibilities, and reduce the incidence of gender-based violence.