The Powerful Ladies of Trinidad and Tobago (PLOTT) is joining others in the national community in expressing grave concern about the increase in violent crimes committed against women, and calls for legislation for women to better protect themselves in the face of danger.

In a statement, the NGO says while it recognizes the gains made with amendments to The Domestic Violence Act and the establishment of a Gender-based Violence Unit in the TTPS, the continuing scourge of violence against women and children, requires a more aggressive and holistic approach from those in authority.

“We are reminded that the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based and Sexual violence has not been adopted 6 years after its formulation. We believe that a comprehensive and coordinated plan must be aggressively advanced,” the NGO said in a statement.

It also endorsed calls for legislation to permit the ownership and use of self-defense weapons  such as pepper sprays and the regularization and/or banning of PH taxis. 

The NGO also advocates for more programmes to be made available for perpetrators, in an effort to promote rehabilitation.