EIGHT people have been arrested for gender-based violence in a period of five days.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), through its Special Victims Department (SVD), continues to intensify its national response to gender-based violence in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the TTPS stated in a media release on Thursday.
The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign observed annually from November 25 to December 10.
The TTPS stated that as part of this heightened operational push, the SVD conducted a major anti-crime intervention between 7 am on November 20 and 7 pm on November 25 focusing on the clearance of outstanding investigations related to sexual violence, domestic abuse and serious offences against vulnerable persons.
Operating across all policing divisions in Trinidad and Tobago, the initiative resulted in eight arrests, and fourteen outstanding offences, such as attempted murder, rape, sexual penetration, grievous sexual assault, kidnapping and domestic violence-related crimes.
The operation was spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner of Police Natasha George, Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith and Senior Superintendent Winston Maharaj and coordinated by Superintendent Darryl Ramdass with legal support from W/Sgt Sookram-Loutan and divisional inspectors and sergeants who provided direct field supervision.
The TTPS stated, “The exercise forms part of a sustained, department-wide commitment to addressing crimes that disproportionately affect women, girls, and vulnerable individuals. These arrests represent the TTPS’s unwavering commitment to tackling gender-based violence and bringing justice to those who have been harmed.”
The TTPS continues to encourage the public to report incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation immediately.
Victims and witnesses can contact the TTPS Gender-Based Violence Unit hotline at 999, 555, or any police station, and are assured of confidentiality and swift intervention.
The SVD advised that it will continue its intensified operations throughout the 16-day period and beyond, reinforcing the TTPS’s mission to create safer communities and ensure justice for survivors.
The TTPS urged all citizens to stand united in rejecting violence, supporting survivors and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
