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“Violence and the Problem-Solving Court.”The Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago
Maureen Rajnauth-LeeHigh Court Judge
Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago
The Establishment of the Family Court
• In the year 2004, the Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago opened its doors as a model in both form (physical facilities and structure) and function (judicial and non-judicial supports)
• The Family Court - the first problem- solving court in T&T
• The Family Court designed as a one-stop shop
The Family Court as a Problem Solving Court for Domestic Violence
• High Court and Magistrates’ Courts brought together to deal with high incidence of domestic violence
• In the year 2010-2011, there were 11,984 domestic violence cases filed in the Magistrates’ Courts
How did the Family Court solve the problems of victims of Domestic Violence and improve access to justice?We made the Court understandable and easy to navigate....a customer service approach. • Customer Service Representatives• Intake Officers• Pro Se Counters
We made the Court less foreboding, providing Dignity and Privacy
Private Court Rooms Environment:• Relieves stress • Painted in “happy” colours. • Waiting rooms decorated with
plants and park benches • Cafeteria
We Solved the Problem of Child Care
Children’s Waiting Room• Babies and toddlers
are cared for, free of charge, by highly trained and friendly staff
• Toys, games, books, sleeping mats and cribs are provided
We Solved the Problem of Child Care
Youth Waiting Area• Young people are
supervised by highly trained and friendly staff
• a pleasant environment outfitted with computers, books, a TV and DVD player
“A ONE-STOP SHOP” to solve many problems
The Court provides on-spot services:• Mediation• Counselling• Other Social Services• Referrals to Government Departments
The Court funds:• Psychological and Psychiatric Assessment and
Treatment• DNA testing in Paternity Cases• The Court also operates an Emergency Fund
ENDING THE VIOLENCE(HOPE - a Violence Intervention Programme)
The Family Court operates the HOPE Programme, that is, Holistic Opportunities for Personal Development.
We offer• Hope for Men• Hope for Women• Hope for Youth and Children
The Hope Programmes are designed to:
• Take the blame off the victims• Hold batterers accountable• Keep victims safe
The Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago has the lead role in coordinating the HOPE
programmes in T&T
The Family Court contact details are as follows:
NIPDEC House
Tragarete Road, Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago
1-868-623-0395 or 1-868-623-0567
http://ttlawcourts.org or http://webopac.ttlawcourts.org/
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