SWEM Tell us about yourself.
CM I am a divorced mother of two girls: 24 years and 17 years. I am a Police officer by profession, Ag Sergeant. I have been a police officer for 21 years. I work at the Child Protection Unit Tobago Division. I am also the CEO/Founder of my own foundation.
SWEM What is the name of your foundation and who is the target audience?
CM The name of the foundation is CHOICE FOUNDATION, which simply means Creating Holistic Options for the Intervention against Child Exploitation. The foundation deals with children who are victims of crime and who suffer social ills in the society. We cater to children from birth to 17 years, as well as the affected families. We offer workshops, programs, counseling sessions and a safe haven if necessary to our victims. We have been to secondary, primary and pre schools, youth clubs and PTAs conducting workshops throughout Tobago, educating,supporting and offering the necessary intervention. Topics are Human Trafficking, Child Abuse, Pre Carnival safety tips, The use/ abuse of Social Media, Mental Health among Youth, Gender based Violence, Domestic Violence, Introducing Spirituality in homes, Bullying and Deviance, just name a few.
SWEM Where do you see this movement in the next five years ?
CM I see this organization providing a state of the art safe haven, equipped with the necessary resources for children who are battered and abused, providing the requisite intervention for the need of each child. The facility/organization would assist the families of these children to be closer and heal from the trauma. At the end of it all, a child would have entered the facility as a victim, but leaves the facility as a victor and a survivor of the abuse, and be reintegrated back into society.
SWEM Why are you so passionate about this project?
CM Growing up, I was an only child. I was sexually assaulted at the age of 14 years by someone I knew. My parents were probably in shock and ignorant to the fact that this actually happened to their child, so much so my dad did not believe me. I grew up burying that shocking, traumatizing experience most of my life. To cut a long story short, I never got the help I so desperately needed until I was 42 years old. Psychologically I knew what it did to me. I knew how it felt and what I buried all those years. Had I gotten someone to just explain what happened, or even asked me how I felt, or if I was okay, I would have healed faster. Granted that each persons experience may be different, trauma does something horrible to you. I can now teach, share, listen, offer the comfort with a victim and his /her family.
SWEM How supportive are the stakeholders in your region?
CM There are a few stakeholders who would have supported the cause, of which we are TRULY grateful. BpTT, The Child Protection Unit, Trinidad & Tobago Police Service, Division of Education - THA, Student Support Services, Human Trafficking Unit, Ministry of National Security, The Police Youth Clubs - Tobago, and Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, Presiding Officer THA. I have funded this foundation out of my pocket with some assistance here and there. Personally I believe Child Abuse is not given enough attention in this country. If a situation happens to a child today, everybody screams and shouts. After that, it dies down. I believe in the proactive approach, an approach the foundation practices. and emphasizes.
SWEM If you were not in this field, what would be your second passion?
CM I would have opened my own business.
SWEM What needs to be different for things to change in relation to this topic?
CM Child abuse is a global problem. The fight against child abuse cannot be a one man show. As the acronym CHOICE says: Creating HOLISTIC Options for the Intervention Against Child Exploitation. This is a team effort. The churches, police, schools, government, medial team, social workers, guidance officers, community, corporate world: we all need each other to combat the war against Child Abuse. I say get it before it gets to you. Just as crime is everybody's business, so is child abuse. We need to partner and work together for the future of the our children.
SWEM Your commitment to this cause is admirable, how do you go on despite the challenges?
CM I have seen hundreds of traumatized children in my line of work, whether its through interviews or medical examinations. The pains I see are real. I have a personal relationship with God. He has chosen me to walk this path. He gives me the direction, discernment and clarity. He has blessed me with strength, wisdom and knowledge through this journey. Without him I would have given up already.
My children have always supported me, reminding me all the time the purpose behind this journey. and I love them dearly for that. My 17 year old and her friends would assist with the youth programs and workshops.
SWEM What words of encouragement would you give an abused child?
CM I would reassure them that it's not their fault, commend them for coming forward and talking about the situation. Don't allow the situation to defeat you, you are beautiful, special and a child of the most High. Lets do this together.
SWEM How can we contact you to support your cause?
CM
a. Cavelle Mills Tel# 1-868-372-1017
b. Email us at: [email protected]
c. Instagram: @ChoiceFoundation