Slide Slide Slide WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Trinidad and Tobago Domestic Violence Act 1999 (‘DV Act’) defines domestic violence as including physical, sexual, emotional or psychological or financial abuse committed by a person against a married or common law spouse (including former spouse), child, any other person who is a member of the household or dependent.
Domestic Violence does not discriminate Anyone can be a victim and anyone can be an abuser regardless of gender, sexual orientation, occupation, class status or physical build.

Slide WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

 

 

 

These are some examples of behaviours that constitute domestic violence:

 

 

 

EMOTIONAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE

- Persistent use of abusive or threatening language
- Persistent following of the person from place to place (stalking)
- Depriving that person of the use of property
- The watching of or constant presence at the place where the person resides, works, carries on business or happens to be (surveillance)
- Interfering with or damaging the property of the person;
- Forced confinement persistent telephoning
- Making unwelcome and repeated contact with a child or elderly relative;

VERBAL ABUSE

Yelling/screaming to intimidate a partner Using inappropriate language or cursing to embarrass or humiliate a partner

 

INTIMIDATION AND THREATS

- Threatening violence against a partner, partner’s family, or partner’s friends
- Verbal threats of violence
- Physical conduct (such as hand gestures or raised fists)

 

SEXUAL ABUSE

- Sexual contact of any kind that is coerced by force or threat of force

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical violence Intentional use of physical force or power Kicking, biting, pushing, punching, or strangling

 

FINANCIAL ABUSE

- Pattern of behaviour, the purpose of which is to exercise coercive control over, or exploit or limit a person’s access to financial resources so as to ensure financial dependence. E.g. withholding a partner’s paycheck, failing to meet financial obligations, attempting to control a partner’s money or job prospects