Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr. has proclaimed October as “DomesticViolence Awareness Month” in the Virgin Islands to confront a social ill that the Centers for Disease Control has called “an urgent and costly public health crisis.”
Crimes of domestic violence violate their victim’s trust and sense of safety. They can take many forms, including forcing, coercing or manipulating someone into unwanted sexual activity and physical, emotional or mental abuse.
“By proclaiming Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are calling attention to this unacceptable behavior and encouraging all members of our community to work together to end the suffering of victims at the hands of those who are closest to them,” de Jongh said.
Domestic violence encompasses the crimes of rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, assault, battery, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, harassment, bullying, exposure or voyeurism. Those crimes can be perpetrated by anyone from a school teacher to a coworker, from a religious leader to an athlete, from a date to a family member.
Victims are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing long-term mental health problems, including suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, promiscuity, low self-esteem, psychiatric hospitalization and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council encourages all Virgin Islanders to wear a purple ribbon during the month of October to commemorate the victims of domestic violence and raise awareness about the problem.
The Council will be putting on Take Back the Night marches and candlelight vigils across the territory on Oct. 20. On St. Thomas, the march will begin at 5 p.m. from Emancipation Garden. The St. John march will begin at 6 p.m. at Franklin Powell Park, and St. Croix’s will begin at 6 p.m. in Christiansted from behind the Scale House. All who attend are asked to wear purple.
Also, to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WTJX television will air Telling Amy’s Story across the territory at 9 p.m. on Oct. 15.
Gov. de Jongh urges all Virgin Islanders to help make this month the beginning of the end of domestic and sexual violence in our lives, and encourages all to attend events scheduled during the month.
“We can stop the cycle of domestic violence by working together to advocate for the rights and needs of victims, by making prevention a priority, and by holding perpetrators accountable,” de Jongh said.