The Shelter to hold tea fund-raiser

The tea will be hosted by Yvonne Webber, wife of the Australian High Commissioner, at their residence in Moka, Maraval. The event which is support by bmobile, will feature a silent art auction of the works of renowned local artists Beverley Fitzwilliam-Harries, Donald “Jackie” Hinkson, Abigail Sabeeney, Peter Sheppard and Trevor Rostant.

Chairman Anthony Inglefield explained that The Shelter is a safe house for survivors of domestic violence from all over the country.

Referrals mainly come from 800-SAVE but some are referred from the embassies, social workers, police stations and the Children’s Authority, and has on occasion also housed human trafficking victims.

The Shelter caters for up to 26 people and offers communal living where the women are encouraged to support each other.

“We accept boys up to ten years. However, we do try as much as possible to keep families together. Among the current residents, we have abused and abandoned children,” Inglefield said. “The length of stay at The Shelter varies on a case-by-case basis. The counselling provided guides how we manage their care and by extension their stay.

“We’ve had women stay for days to as much as a year. Unfortunately too, so many of them are financially vulnerable, they do not have anywhere to go. What we don’t want to happen is they go back into the abusive situation they escaped from. Our aim is to provide the support they need to leave feeling empowered and in control of their lives.” The Shelter offers temporary housing, counselling, meals, clothing medical services, legal assistance, food cards and assistance with job placement.

The Shelter seeks to ensure children continue their education by providing support such as uniforms, school supplies and activities for the children. It is also developing programmes for job training, life skills and a network of support services for the residents after they leave The Shelter.

Graeme Suite, TSTT’s senior manager, brand, public relations and external affairs, said: “Bmobile is excited to support the work of organisations like The Shelter that work to eliminate abuse and promote equality especially among vulnerable persons in our society.

We need to be always willing to work towards eliminating abuse and reverse its effects on women and children.

It is necessary and important for the public to also partner in this special event to be a part of the community for change.” Speaking about her involvement in The Shelter, Webber said:, “I have been able to teach and work in local communities in a range of activities that empower women and therefore strengthen the community.

Domestic violence is something that I feel strongly about and we should do whatever we can to eradicate it from society and help survivors of domestic violence.

“I’m looking forward to making this an afternoon that people will remember, and also that they will remember why they are there and perhaps be motivated to find other ways in which they can contribute to places like The Shelter where survivors of domestic violence can be protected, sheltered and nurtured while they begin to put their lives back together.” Thanking bmobile and Webber for their “tremendous” support, Inglefield said: “The costs of running The Shelter are an ongoing challenge. There are a number of additional support programmes we want to put in place, so we are dependent on the kind support of the corporate community, the diplomatic corps and the public.” Inglefield said the protected and confidential nature of a safe house meant the number of people visiting The Shelter had to be limited.

For more info: Facebook: The Shelter - A Safe Haven for Victims of Domestic Violence, from the website trinidadshelter.com.