Be proactive and not reactive were words of advice to women in abusive relationships and homes by Madinah House President, Lydia Choate.
General Manager of The Rape Crisis Society of T&T, Natalie O’Brady (left) chats with psychologist Dr Eugenia Springer
Over the past 16 years, she said Madinah House has provided shelter to more than 1000 women and children and has even housed women who were victims of human trafficking.
Choate said the non-profit organisation is more than a shelter. “More than just a shelter” is the organisation’s motto.
She encouraged women in abusive relationships and homes to develop a safety plan: “Do not wait to be maimed or killed. Be proactive and not reactive.”
She also called on affected women to have a support group of trustworthy people who they can rely on when faced with a crisis.
“Let us use words that would help, uplift and heal; not bring down the other person. Let us learn to manage conflict and understand our triggers that lead us to be angry,” she said.
The organisation hosted its 17th annual fundraising luncheon yesterday at the Imani Hall, Cipero Street in San Fernando, Trinidad.
Madinah House also partners with the Ministry of National Security to temporarily house women who have been lured into T&T by men who promised them a brighter future, Choate said.
Madinah House was established by ‘MusServ’ through guidance officer, Gayaz Rajab, now deceased. In 1999, Madinah House entered a lease agreement for a property to house the women’s shelter.
Guest speaker, general manager of The Rape Crisis Society of T&T, Natalie O’Brady, said greater investment in family was needed. Her address focused on family life and raising healthy families. (T&T Newsday)
