UPR Sexual Rights Database

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.

Mid Term Progress Report:
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago considers the growth in participation, promotion of equality and empowerment of women as critical factors in the achievement of its goal towards sustainable development. The following relate to the advances in women's rights as it relates to women's overall participation in national leadership and decision making:
- The Inter-Parliamentary Union's world classification of women elected to Parliament ranks T&T as 36th with a 28.6% representation in the House of Representatives and 19.4% of the appointed seats in the Senate as of 1 April 2014
- In local government, women account for an average of 32% of mayors, aldermen and local councilors.
- A 2009-2010 survey conducted by the Network of NGOs for the Advancement of Women, found that women comprised an average of 29% of members on boards and commission of all statutory bodies, state enterprises, special purpose companies, listed private companies, credit unions and trade unions.
- In 2014, the High Court has 13 female judges, while three women serve as Justices of the Court of Appeal roster with a view to increasing the number of Court of Appeal judges to address the increasing case load. The Magistracy is supported by 40 women of a total complement of 56 Magistrates, led by Trinidad and Tobago's first female Chief Magistrate.
- In 1955, there were only 12 female police officers. In 2012, this number has increased to 1700 women police officers. A woman acted as Commissioner of Police for the first time in March 2014. Several female Officers have been promoted to senior positions including one (1) Deputy Commissioner of Police and four (4) Assistant Commissioners of Police.
- All officers, female or male, have equal opportunities for training and promotions. In specialist units, women police officers participate in the same rigorous training and duties as their male counterparts.