Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Gender and Child Affairs, Ayanna Webster-Roy, is urging citizens affected by Gender-Based Violence to reach out and seek help.
The Minister’s statement comes following recent reports of violence against women and children across the country. She referenced Mrs. Sunita Ram, who was killed in a murder-suicide on Sunday, and three-year-old Jareem George, who died last week in an alleged arson attack perpetrated by a male relative.
She stated, “I am deeply saddened by recent reports of violence against women and children across our country. My sympathies are with the families of Sunita Ram and Jareem George, as they mourn the untimely loss of their loved ones. I felt much dismay and a heavy heart upon learning that they were reportedly victims in separate cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).”
“In light of these heartbreaking incidents, it is clear that our women and children continue to be targets of domestic violence (DV). As a nation, we must stand together and say NO to all forms of violence, both on the individual and community levels. I encourage everyone who has been affected by GBV to reach out and seek the help they need so that we, as a society, can put a stop to all forms of abuse.”
Minister Webster-Roy also reminded citizens that there are avenues of support available. These include:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-SAVE or 7283)
- The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) (999), the Victim and Witness Support Unit of the TTPS (612-0301 ext. 13552-13554)
- HIV Helpline (800-4448)
- For support regarding matters of child abuse, please call the Children’s Authority Hotline (996 or 800-2014) or Childline (131 or 800-4321)
- To access available support services for men and boys, contact: mens.bureau@gov.tt