UPR Sexual Rights Database

National Report:
Para 84) In December 2014, the Government agreed to partner with the Network of Non- Governmental Organisations of Trinidad and Tobago for the Advancement of Women to implement the initiative entitled, "Becoming a Woman: Creating Safe Spaces for At Risk Girls and Young Women in Trinidad and Tobago". This outreach programme is aimed at reducing the influence of social norms that perpetuate their social and economic exclusion from the society.

Mid Term Progress Report:
The Gender Affairs Division of the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development has implemented several programmes with the aim of overcoming traditional stereotypes regarding the role of women and men in society. These programmes include:
• The “Defining Masculinity Excellence” Programme
This Programme aims to address the gender stereotypes permeating the society. The objectives of the Programme include promoting healthy and positive relationships in the home between men and women; providing gender sensitization/training for males in various target groups; reducing the incidence of domestic and other forms of violence; increasing the number of boys staying in school to complete secondary education and further education; and providing men with the space to share their feelings and concerns openly and non-violently.
Since the Programme’s inception, over 1,000 men have been trained, several of whom are now in partnership with the Gender Affairs Division to target other men and boys. Additionally, a weekly radio programme was conducted utilizing the content of the Defining Masculine Excellence Training modules to reach men who cannot attend the programmes.
• Distinguished Lecture / Workshop Series
The Gender Affairs Division of the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development also undertook a Distinguished Lecture/ Workshop Series which featured gender-based lectures by expert and renowned personalities. Lectures and workshops were held on subjects including: Gender and Health; Gender and HIV/AIDS; Gender and Education; Gender and Community Development; Gender and the Law; Women’s Leadership; Gender-Responsive Budgeting; Gender and Climate Change; and Masculinity and Manhood.
• The Non-Traditional Skills Training Programme for Women
This Programme is designed to provide specialized technical and vocational education and training to low-income and unskilled women and involves a total of 320 hours of training on a six month part-time basis, and offers a stipend of $TTD $60.00 per day for three days per week, in the areas of:
• Construction: carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, painting, tiling, brick-laying and site clerking;
• Woodwork/ Furniture: joinery, cabinet making, wooden toys and tourist items, upholstery;
• Automotive: automotive repair, auto body repair;
• Technology: computer repair; and
• Industrial Maintenance: small engine repair and maintenance, domestic appliance repair and maintenance.

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 National Domestic Violence Unit of the Gender Affairs Division of the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, operates a Hotline 24 hours, seven days a week and receives approximately 30,000 calls annually. The Hotline provides information, active listening support, and referrals to shelters and counselling services, as well as referrals for rapid intervention by the Police. It is geared toward victims of rape, spousal abuse, and other forms of violence against women and men.
-Nineteen Domestic Violence Community Drop-in Centres have been strengthened, with social workers and Counsellors receiving increased remuneration, support and training. The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development plans to develop standards/ guidelines/ tools to improve the performance of the Drop-in Centres. The Ministry is also in the process of setting up three new Shelters, two for female victims of domestic violence and one for male victims.
-NGOs supported by Government agencies provide eleven Shelters for female victims of domestic violence, and a rape crisis centre. Counselling services, support groups and resource facilities are also available within communities to assist in the prevention and treatment of domestic violence.
-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.