Inter-American Development Bank (2016). Data of Violence against women - Trinidad and Tobago - Survey answers: 2015. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/x3p6hntx

1. English

What does this dataset measure?

This dataset provides baseline data on women’s economic autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, and access to services that address violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago. It helps establish benchmarks for future assessments of gender and social policy.

Who participated in the study?

A total of 227 women between the ages of 15 and 70 took part in the survey. All participants lived in a low- and middle-income neighborhood in a densely populated urban area of Trinidad and Tobago.

When was the data collected?

The survey was conducted in November 2015 to establish initial indicators of women’s needs and exposure to violence against women in Trinidad.

What types of indicators are included in the dataset?

The dataset includes variables on employment, income, reproductive health, access to social services, safety, and experiences with intimate partner violence. These data points are crucial to understanding violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago from both economic and health perspectives.

How does this dataset contribute to understanding violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago?

It provides localized evidence on how socioeconomic conditions and access to services affect exposure to violence against women in Trinidad. The findings enable policymakers to identify vulnerable groups and assess the effectiveness of violence prevention programs.

Can this dataset be used for research or policy design?

Yes. The dataset supports academic and policy research focused on women’s empowerment, the prevention of gender-based violence, and public health in Trinidad and Tobago.

Who collected and validated the data?

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in collaboration with local partners, conducted and validated the survey as part of regional efforts to reduce violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago and promote gender equity.

Is there supporting documentation available?

Yes. A Word document containing the complete response key for all questionnaire items is included as an annex for reference and analysis.

What is the overview of gender-based violence in Trinidad and Tobago?

Survey responses show that intimate partner violence was a recurring issue among women in low- and middle-income urban neighborhoods. Indicators include experiences of being threatened, slapped, or forced into sexual activity, alongside limited access to health and support services.

What does the survey reveal about gender-based violence prevalence and reporting rates in Trinidad and Tobago?

The survey reveals that while many women reported experiences of violence (slapping, threats, forced sex), only a small proportion sought help. Reporting rates were low, with barriers including stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of confidence in institutional support.

Why do many domestic violence cases go unreported in Trinidadian communities?

Responses highlight cultural stigma, fear of community judgment, and limited trust in police or health services. Women often felt services were inaccessible or inadequate, discouraging formal reporting.

What are the primary drivers of domestic violence in Trinidadian households?

Survey data points to economic stress, dependency on male partners, and entrenched gender norms. Women with limited financial independence were more vulnerable to intimate partner violence.

How do cultural attitudes and gender norms in Trinidad and Tobago contribute to violence against women?

Attitudinal questions in the survey show that some respondents agreed with statements suggesting women “deserve to be beaten” or that men should dominate household roles. These norms reinforce tolerance of violence and reduce women’s ability to seek redress.

What is the impact of substance abuse, unemployment, and economic stress on incidents of violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago?

Although the dataset does not isolate substance abuse, it does capture economic vulnerability. Women with unstable income or unemployment were more likely to report experiences of intimate partner violence, suggesting economic stress as a driver.

What insights does the dataset provide about the prevalence and experiences of violence against women in Trinidad and Tobago?

Among the 227 women surveyed, multiple indicators of violence were recorded: threats, slapping, forced sex, and restrictions by partners. These experiences highlight prevalence at the community level, though the dataset is not nationally representative.

Where can researchers access datasets and reports on gender-based violence in Trinidad and Tobago?

The full survey dataset is available via the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Open Data portal:
Data of Violence against women - Trinidad and Tobago - Survey answers: 2015.
Citation: Inter-American Development Bank, 2016, Data of Violence against women - Trinidad and Tobago - Survey answers: 2015, IDB Open Data, https://doi.org/10.60966/x3p6hntx.