Organisations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline estimate that about one in every ten adults experiences severe coercive control or emotional abuse in an intimate relationship.
Against that backdrop, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is reminding the public that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse.
Speaking on the Trinidad and Tobago Today Morning Show, Acting Sergeant Devonn Jargroop of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service outlined several warning signs of non-physical abuse.
“So things like constant threats, intimidation that is meant to frighten you, following you from place to place, controlling your movement and even damaging and interfering with your personal property, controlling your money, isolating you from friends and family and constantly checking your phone. So even sometimes people use your children against you; that is abuse. So if it hurts and you feel controlled, it frightens you, and then it matters.”
Sergeant Jagroop warned that while leaving an abusive relationship is often necessary for a victim’s safety, the period immediately following a separation can be one of the most dangerous.
He stressed the importance of adhering to the conditions of a protection order once issued, noting that breaches can create opportunities for offenders to re-establish contact or make further unwanted advances.
“A protection order, contrary to popular belief, is a shield; it’s not a sword, and in most cases, sometimes we are talking about an emotional situation. Some persons still feel emotionally tied to their partner, so subtle breaches like a phone call that may have been outlined as a prohibition may still be entertained, and it is these doorways that allow the protection order to seem as though it’s not actually something you could depend on because you allow certain small steps. the offender realises that you are allowing the steps and then they make a further breach.”
He warned that abusers may escalate their behaviour when they feel they are losing control and stressed the importance of putting safety measures in place.
“Trust your instincts, first of all. If you genuinely believe that the person is going to hurt you, they probably are going to, so you should get to a safe place, or contact a relative or a friend, and get to the police station as soon as possible. Call 999 if it’s an immediate sense of danger and urgency. Be clear exactly on what you are fearful of and tell the reasons why you’re calling. Also keep your phone charged and collect identification or important documents so that you can access them when you are ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
He encouraged victims to seek assistance from the police, trusted relatives or support agencies and to develop a safety plan before leaving an abusive situation.