Gender-Based Violence

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an umbrella term used to delineate acts of violence perpetrated toward an individual on the sole basis of their gender. Under the umbrella that is GBV, there are 4 key forms: Physical Violence, Sexual Violence, Emotional and Psychological Violence, and Neglect. While it is important to note that both men and women experience this phenomenon, there is disproportionality that occurs as the majority of victims are women and girls.

In the Caribbean, the most common forms of Gender-Based violence that victims experience are Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Sexual Violence and this affects a significant percentage of women and girls in this region. Noting this, Odem Foundation strives to assist with the reduction of this occurrence by educating individuals on the phenomenon at hand and by supporting individuals who have experienced this in one form or the other. By doing this we work towards the Sustainable Development Goal to achieve gender equality and empowerment of women and girls set by the United Nations Development Program.

GBV Projects and Campaigns

“ODEM Foundation supported the "I Could Be Her" a 70-day campaign against Gender-Based Violence that started in Trinidad and Tobago and extended to the Caribbean. "About Her" was a virtual discourse on Gender-Based Violence in the Caribbean. This event came in the wake of the recent murders across the region, where women are being killed in very similar circumstances. This event collaborated with speakers from, the Victim Support Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, The Ministry of Social Protection in Guyana, Attorneys, Activists, and NGOs across the Caribbean working in the area of gender-based violence.”

“Noting the substantial increase of violence being perpetrated against women during the pandemic, ODEM launched its “If yuh see it, say it!” campaign in July 2021. The focus of this campaign was to bring awareness through the dissemination of information on the various forms of gender-based violence while encouraging the public to use their voice in solidarity with victims of such acts. While ODEM understands that many factors contribute to the vicious cycle of violence against women, we believe education and reporting play a crucial role in ending this cycle. As such, this campaign aims to stop silent witnesses by encouraging individuals who are aware of these acts to make reports to the relevant authorities.

GBV Resources

To those experiencing any form of violence that has been especially exacerbated during the course of this pandemic, please note that you are not alone. While this is in no way an exhausted list here are some hotlines that are available to you:

Trinidad and Tobago
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-868-800-7283 to report incidents of Domestic and gender-based violence.

The Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago has launched a hotline service for Survivors of Gender-based violence and can be reached at 1-868-866-7428.

Jamaica
The Victim Support Unit: 1-876-906-4923/31.

Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre: 1-876-929-8873, 1-876-960-9067.
Women Inc and Crisis Centre: 1-876-929-2997, 1-876-926-9398.

Guyana
Ministry of Social Protection’s Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Policy Unit: 1-592-640-1011.

The Women Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security: 1-592-227-0206.

Grenada
Special Victims Unit, Royal Grenada Police Force: 1-473-440-4739.

Gender-Based Violence Unit:

Ministry of Social Development & Housing: 1-473-440-7952, 1-473-440-2269.

Barbados
Save Foundation: 1-246-432-2873.

Bureau of Women’s Affairs: 1-246-431-0851.
Barbados Professional Women Crisis Centre and Shelter: 1-246-435-8222.