EMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN ACTIVITIES TO COMBAT

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 001202

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR G/IWI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO KWMN PHUM PREL
SUBJECT: EMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN ACTIVITIES TO COMBAT
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

REF: SECSTATE 142614

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY

(U) 1. Strategic Speaker Initiative speaker Vivian Huelgo,
Director of the Community Law Project at the Sanctuary for
Families Center for Battered Women's Legal Services,
conducted an extensive series of interviews, seminars, and
meetings in Trinidad and Tobago December 2 through 7,
inclusive, to commemorate the 16 Days of Action to Eliminate
Violence Against Women and Girls.

(U) 2. Ms. Huelgo presented a training session on the
handling and processing of domestic violence cases December 4
for 75 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service; all
ranks were represented. She led a seminar December 5 at the
University of the West Indies' Center for Gender and
Development on eliminating violence against women and girls
for an audience of academics, students, and media. Finally,
she made a presentation December 6 at the Law Association of
Trinidad and Tobago on legal aid in domestic violence cases,
and discussed reform of the family court system in Trinidad
and Tobago. A total of 64 judges, magistrates, and other
distinguished legal figures attended.

(U) 3. In addition, Ms. Huelgo met on December 2 with Diana
Mahabir-Wyatt of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on
December 3 with representatives of seven human rights and
women's rights NGOs, and on December 4 with newly-appointed
Attorney General Bridgid Anisette-George to discuss the
Government of Trinidad and Tobago's new Domestic Violence
legislation.

(U) 4. Extensive media coverage included a December 3
interview on channel CNC3's "Early Morning" news program, an
early morning television interview December 6 on CNMG, and a
taping December 7 on CCN of an interview that aired December
9 and 10. The "Trinidad Express" newspaper ran a cover story
and three page interview that appeared December 9, and the
"Newsday" newspaper conducted a lengthy interview that has
yet to appear.

(SBU) 5. Comment: Violence against women is a serious and
endemic problem in Trinidad and Tobago; there are frequent
media reports of women who are either killed by abusive men
or who kill their abusers while defending themselves. Ms.
Huelgo's activities were eagerly welcomed and were attended
with interest and enthusiasm. End Comment.
AUSTIN