TTPS GBVU and IOM offer Relief to Victims of COVID-19

On Tuesday 28th April, 2020 The TTPS Gender-Based Violence Unit (GBVU) Management Team W/ASP Claire Guy- Allyene, Ms. Shireen Pollard and Secretariat member Project Coordinator Ms. Samantha Griffith received thirty (30) dignity kits from Ms. Jewel Ali, United Nations Migration Agency-International Organization for Migration (IOM) Head of Office-Project Coordinator. The receipt and distribution of these kits represent the first phase of a joint United Nations Systems and TTPS COVID-19 GBV interagency response.

The TTPS GBVU and other key partners, such as TTPS Victim and Witness Support Unit, TTPS Child Protection Unit, Office of the Prime Minister, Gender and Child Affairs, Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago, Ministry of  National Security Counter-Trafficking Unit, United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Development Programme, Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies, have begun mobilization of physical and other resource needs for GBV victims.  These resources consist of dignity kits, food relief items and psycho-social support services such as assisting with judicial support for victims during this pandemic.

Since its establishment on January 21st, 2020, the GBVU has recorded tremendous successes in ensuring the protection of victims of gender-based violence crimes. The GBVU recognizes the global trends as it relates to gender-based crimes and crisis situations, and have developed and implemented systems to continue effective service delivery. GBVU Officers based throughout the nine (9) policing divisions are committed to protecting and serving all victims with PRIDE. The GBVU again reminds members of the public of their mantra: if you see something, say something as it can save someone’s life.