Domestic Violence and the Law

This web portal seeks to simplify the process for providing legal help to those facing domestic violence. It also serves as a portal for links to other important information and resources related to domestic violence in Trinidad and Tobago.

It is a part of the project arising out of UN Spotlight Initiative - the Development of a Public Awareness and Sensitization Communication Campaign on avenues for Legal Redress on matters related to Gender Based Violence/Family Violence. This project is a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Trinidad and Tobago and the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs (AGLA).

Quick Links - Clink on the buttons below to get additional information

According to the National Women’s Health Survey (NWHS) for Trinidad and Tobago, 2017 “in the 15 to 64 age bracket, over 100,000 women in Trinidad and Tobago are estimated to have experienced one or more acts of physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by male partners.” These are alarming statistics for a country of only 1.4 million people.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has prioritized the empowerment of women and girls to combat Gender-based violence. A Gender Affairs Division is well positioned in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and several Acts address protection of domestic violence victims including the:

• Domestic Violence Act
• Sexual Offences Act
• Offences Against the Person Act
• Children’s Act
• Legal Aid and Advice Act
• Equal Opportunity Act
• Administration of Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Act
• Firearms Act
• Police Complaints Authority Act

Links to Other Important Resources

• A Domestic Violence Prevention Handbook – Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Domestic Violence in the Workplace Portal - Employers’ Consultative Association
• Find Care Mental Support Directory
• National Clinical and Policy Guidelines on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence: Trinidad and Tobago – Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
• - Resources
• National Family Services Division, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services
• CEDAW Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (CCoTT)
• Catalogue of Services for the Economic Empowerment of Women - University of the West Indies, Arthur Lok Jack global School of Business
• Spotlight Initiative, Trinidad and Tobago

Links to Domestic Violence Service Providers

• Trinidad and Tobago Coalition against Domestic Violence (CADV)
• Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago
• Organization for Abused and Battered Individuals (O.A.B.I.)
• Shelter for Battered Women and Children
• Women's Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD)
• Woman of Substance