Persons are being urged to reach out for help to deal with gender based violence.

The message comes today from Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy, following the deaths of 57-year-old Sunita Ram and 3-year-old Jareem George.

Sunita was killed in a suspected murder-suicide yesterday, while little Jareem died last week after his home was allegedly set on fire by a man who had a confrontation with his mother.

Mrs Webster-Roy, who has responsibility for Gender & Child Affairs, says it is clear that women and children continue to be targets of domestic violence.

She adds that if anyone’s life is in danger or threatened, persons should contact any of several available hotlines.

They include:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-SAVE (7283)
• T&T Police Service – 999
• The Victim and Witness Support Unit of the TTPS – 612-0301 ext. 13552-13554
• HIV Helpline – 800- 4448
• Children’s Authority Hotline – 996 or 800-2014
• Childline – 131 or 800-4321

To access available support services for men and boys contact mens.bureau@gov.tt.