BVI Urged to Fight Domestic Violence
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is calling on the Virgin Islands community to move from awareness to proactive action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Under the theme With Survivors Always, the initiative aims to educate residents on various forms of abuse and strengthen community-wide support systems. Officials emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and supporting survivors with dignity and care.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through the Office of Gender Affairs, is urging residents across the Virgin Islands to take active steps against abuse as the Territory observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. Under this year's theme, "With Survivors, Always," the initiative calls on the entire community to stand alongside survivors, enhance local support networks, and actively work toward preventing domestic violence.
Throughout the month, the Office of Gender Affairs will spearhead a comprehensive public education campaign to help residents identify warning signs, understand the spectrum of abuse, and discover safe, effective ways to intervene. Officials stressed that domestic violence is not limited to physical harm.
It also encompasses emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, and digital abuse, as well as intimidation, stalking, isolation, and controlling behaviors. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Tasha K. Bertie, emphasized that the campaign aims to transition public dialogue from mere awareness to practical, informed community action. "Domestic violence can affect anyone.
Our responsibility as a community is not only to recognise the signs of abuse, but to know how to respond in ways that support the safety, dignity and choices of those affected," Ms. The educational campaign focuses on six key areas: understanding abuse, identifying its various forms, recognizing who is affected, addressing harmful behavior, breaking the cycle of abuse, and strengthening community response and healing mechanisms.
Special attention is also being placed on demographics whose experiences are frequently overlooked, including men, children, teenagers, older persons, and persons living with disabilities. Bertie encouraged residents across the Virgin Islands to take personal responsibility for fostering safer households and neighborhoods.
She advocated for community members to listen without judgment, respect the autonomy of survivors, and actively help connect those in danger with professional resources. The Ministry of Health and Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to advancing social well-being and resilience throughout the Territory.
Individuals experiencing domestic violence, or those concerned for the safety of others, are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Gender Affairs or relevant social service agencies for confidential assistance.
Primary source: BVI Government