The T&TCADV is comprised of individuals and organizations addressing the concerns of violence in the society. We try to be representative of both rural and urban areas. Our programmers support and involve persons of all racial, social, religious and economic groups, ages and lifestyles. We oppose the use of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and spiritual violence as a means of control over others. We support wholesome family life, equality in relationships, and the concept of helping people to assume control over their own lives.

Mission Statement

The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition Against Domestic Violence aims to ensure that children, women and men in Trinidad and Tobago live in an environment free from physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and spiritual violence. To this end it will develop and implement systems, programmes and projects, alone or in conjunction with other organizations in the public and private sectors, to prevent, to alleviate and to stop violence from occurring. It will co-operate with national, regional and international organisations whose aims support those of the Coalition and through them contribute to building a culture of peace, love and understanding in the world.

What is Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior which usually occurs within intimate relationships, where one partner maintains power and control over the other person. Abuse can start early in the relationship or it can start later. There are many types of abuse, which may occur in different situations.

Domestic violence manifests itself in a number of ways:
• Physically
• Emotionally
• Sexually
• Financially
• Verbally
• Psychologically

Common Misunderstanding About Domestic Violence

Some Barriers to Leaving

Financial
• no income or income that is lower than partner’s
• having to leave the family home
• lack of job skills
• belief that partner will not pay maintenance or support

Social
• lack of support or isolation from family and friends
• lack of affordable child care and housing
• lack of information about legal rights
• inadequate support from police, legal system

Cultural/Religious
• victim blaming, denying or minimizing the abuse
• pressures on women to feel responsible for relationships
• religious beliefs about women’s roles, marriage
• belief that a woman can change her partner
• social disapproval of separation and divorce
• belief that the children need a father.

Emotional
• feeling of not being able to cope alone
• fear of threats by partner
• fear that we will get back at you
• fear of going to court or calling the police
• feeing responsible for the breaking up of the family
• fear of loneliness, of being unlovable
• hoping that your partner will change
• blame or fear of rejection by family or friends
• fear of treats to keep the children
• fear of his threats to commit suicide or kill you and the children