The approach to addressing domestic violence must go beyond the traditional policing interventions, according to an independent Senator.

Anthony Vieira spoke on the matter near the wind-up of last night’s sitting of the Senate, recounting a number of instances of deaths over the past year stemming from domestic violence.

He explained that there must be intervention outside of the measures used to fight crime, such as protection orders which he said sometimes fail to protect from abusers.

Senator Vieira said T&T’s laws allow for counselling orders to be issued – a provision he believes is under-utilized.

He noted that counselling, if used early and consistently, could interrupt the cycle of abuse and foster genuine behavioural change.

The Senator also suggested that the T&T Association of Psychologists develop a roster of approved counsellors with rigorous standards for expertise.