Time for peace to reign

THE EDITOR: My colleagues and I lament the continuing rise in domestic violence as well as the failure of the relevant authorities to deal harshly with the perpetrators of this serious crime. It is no secret that the group Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) has been highlighting this problem for years now in order to get people to recognise that violence in homes is widespread throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Domestic violence is a very touchy and controversial topic because some people like politicians, police officers and other law enforcement officials who have the authority to take action against abusers, are also batterers. We must give priority to this very serious social ill because there are too many victims crying out for help.

We are not in support of victims returning to batterers. People who profess love for their spouses and lovers should demonstrate affection by treating their partners with respect and dignity instead of physically and verbally abusing them. No person has the right to murder a spouse who is allegedly unfaithful to him or her or wishes to seek a separation or divorce for one reason or the other. Those who support such crimes are as dangerous as the perpetrators. Too many batterers learn that they can achieve what they want from their spouses through the use of force, without facing serious consequences. These perpetrators must be told that domestic violence will not be tolerated. Law enforcement officers must make arrests, prosecutors must prosecute domestic violence cases, and courts must enforce orders and impose sanctions for criminal convictions.

CBTT is aware that abusers use violence, financial control and threats about the children to force victims to return. Therefore, if we as friends, family members, counsellors, clergy members and law enforcement officers fail to support victims of domestic violence, we may cause them to return to batterers who may continue to beat them mercilessly or even murder them. We are calling on the authorities to give these victims legal assistance at an early stage in order to increase their chances of obtaining the protection and financial security they need to live away from an abusive relationship. Today, we plead with all batterers — men and women — to create peace in their homes. Say to your spouse that you are sorry for your past indiscretion and we are willing to bet that more love will exist among you, your spouse and children.

HARRACK BALRAMSINGH
President, CBTT
La Romaine