The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is urging members of the country’s migrant communities to report domestic violence and other crimes, amid concerns that language barriers and previous negative experiences with authorities may prevent victims from seeking help.

The appeal came during a media briefing on August 19 by the TTPS Special Victims Department, which deals with child protection, sexual offences and gender-based violence.

Acting ASP Leith Jones said police have been seeing reports of domestic violence within migrant communities, including cases involving serious violence and threats to kill.

He said the police are particularly focused on ensuring that language does not become an obstacle to reporting crimes.

Jones highlighted recent cases involving members of the Venezuelan community in which an organisation supporting migrants contacted police for assistance.

In two cases, police were able to arrange for a Spanish-speaking officer to communicate with the victims and record their reports.

The victims did not have to travel to a police station, Jones said.

He acknowledged that some migrants have had negative experiences when attempting to access services and that language barriers can make reporting more difficult.

Jones said police are working to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.

Police want migrant victims to seek help

Jones said victims should not be deterred from reporting domestic violence because of concerns about language, immigration status or previous experiences.

He also urged friends, relatives, community organisations and other people who become aware of abuse to support victims in seeking assistance.

Police said domestic violence can involve more than physical attacks. 

Controlling behaviour, monitoring a partner’s calls or movements, restricting access to money or transportation and humiliating a partner can also form part of an abusive relationship.

The TTPS said these behaviours can affect both men and women.

The Special Victims Department has units at police stations in several parts of Trinidad and Tobago and said officers are trained to handle child protection and gender-based violence matters.

Police also stressed that victims can seek confidential assistance and that specialised officers are available to help guide them through the reporting and investigative process.

The appeal comes as the TTPS says reports of intimate partner violence have fallen by 40.3% this year compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

However, police have cautioned that declining reports do not necessarily mean that domestic violence has disappeared and acknowledged that some cases may remain unreported.

The department is continuing community outreach and engagement programmes aimed at encouraging victims and vulnerable groups to come forward.