Our Purple Bench Campaign launched on November 11th, 2020 in collaboration with CEPEP Tobago, Tobago House of Assembly Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour, Redeemed Christian Church of God – Garden of Peace Tobago; is a public awareness initiative that aims to increase the community’s knowledge of domestic violence and its willingness and ability to respond.
L-R: Ms. Janelle Berkley, Mr. Hasley Trim, Administrator – Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development, and Labour, Assemblyman Marslyn Melville-Jack – Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development, and Labour, Ms. Onika Mars, Founder & President – Women of Substance, Ms. Alice Gordon-James, Dr. Oghai Oyakire, Mr. Kevin Liverpool
Through impressive signage, community dialogues, and robust social media engagement, the Purple Bench Campaign will bring domestic violence to the forefront of the conversation while providing permanent reminders of the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for a coordinated community response.
It also presents a visually enhanced avenue for persons to sit, relax and reflect while discussing how we can possibly bring an end to the scourge of domestic violence in our communities.
“Sit and Chat” with Onika Mars
This is a support group for female survivors of domestic violence and abuse where they are invited to sit and chat in a safe environment and we share our experiences with each other so that we can encourage, empower and provide the much-needed genuine support.
Survivors obtain professional counselling, valued advice, and guidance as it relates to matters affecting them. The organization has a core of volunteer support persons in the persona of pastors, counsellors, nurses, psychologists, and survivors/overcomers. A minimum of twenty-five (25) women are usually in attendance at each support group meeting.
Women of Substance extended its borders by launching the “Sit and Chat” Trinidad chapter on February 26th 2018 which saw thirty (30) women in attendance at its first meeting.
