A zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence needed

Monday’s observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is an occasion that should never go unnoticed in T&T. Gender-based violence is a major problem in this country, where 44 per cent of women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime—higher than the global average of one in three women and girls experiencing gender-based violence. This is why it is important to take note of the grim data put out by the United Nations (UN) in the countdown to the annual commemoration, including the fact that globally, a woman was killed every ten minutes in 2023.

Violence against women and girls remains “largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it.” The UN’s call for accountability and action from decision-makers should resonate not only in the corridors of Parliament but in every community and with every group in which perpetrators continue to be afforded the protection and secrecy that enables their criminal behaviour.

Although there have been legislative amendments and programmes aimed at breaking the cycle of gender-based violence, the statistics show that progress has been slow and there is still plenty of work to be done.

Data from the T&T Police Service’s Crime and Analysis Branch shows that last year there was a 42 per cent increase in domestic violence reports since 2021, with 1,968 recorded cases of domestic violence disproportionately affecting girls and women.

Assault by beating, breaches of protection orders and threatening behaviour are the most prevalent violations, with 92 per cent of the women and girls who were victims under the age of 35. Other distinctive aspects of gender-based violence in T&T include the higher incidence of physical partner violence in rural communities and the vulnerability of pregnant women to those types of abuse.

But as disturbing as these facts are, they don’t give the complete picture—accounting only for the incidents that are reported. An unknown number of women and girls are suffering in silence. Gender-based violence thrives in secrecy, and many victims are too burdened by fear and shame to seek the protection they so desperately need.

This is why the national spotlight should be focused on finding ways to eradicate gender-based violence, not only on Monday but well beyond the 16 days of activism that will continue until December 10. This year’s theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” should be treated as an urgent call to action by every law-abiding, responsible citizen of this land.

More focus needs to be placed on the National Strategic Action Plan on Gender-based Violence and Sexual Violence of T&T, the framework to inform and guide the various entities involved in preventing and responding to gender-based violence in all its forms.

A zero-tolerance approach to violence against women and girls requires much more than consistent enforcement of laws such as the Domestic Violence Amendment Act and the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act.

Of equal importance is addressing the gaps that impede the effective delivery of services to victims of gender-based violence. T&T should fully support and join in the UN’s call to hold perpetrators accountable while ensuring rights and access to essential services for survivors.

The National Strategic Action Plan on Gender-based Violence and Sexual Violence provides a framework—it’s time to get to work.

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