Domestic Violence Outreach in Jost Van Dyke
The Office of Gender Affairs (OGA), in collaboration with the Family Support Network (FSN), held a Domestic Violence Awareness Outreach Day in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke under the theme "Domestic Violence: NO!" community members learned to recognise signs of abuse, find support and take practical steps to protect families. The event featured Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist Dr. Albert Thompkins and Ministerial Special Adviser on Gender Affairs Patricia Hackett; organisers confirmed ongoing partnership and provided contact details for support services (Government of the Virgin Islands).
The Office of Gender Affairs (OGA), working with the Family Support Network (FSN), brought a Domestic Violence Awareness Outreach Day to Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke under the theme "Domestic Violence: NO!", the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release. The outreach gathered community members to learn how to recognise signs of abuse, discover where to seek help, and discuss practical steps families and neighbours can take to protect one another.
Thompkins outlined the psychological, physical and economic forms of domestic violence and described the wider harm they cause to households and communities. He told attendees that "Domestic violence is not a private issue; but it is a community issue… If it happens in one home, it happens in all of our homes." He also cautioned that the intense emotions of the early relationship or "honeymoon" phase are often followed by an escalation, describing how that period can be succeeded by an "explosion of abuse." He urged people to seek help and safety, saying, "Silence protects your abuser.
Speaking up protects the community." (Government of the Virgin Islands). Ministerial Special Adviser on Gender Affairs Patricia Hackett spoke on building healthy relationships through communication, compromise and emotional healing. Hackett asked, "How do we build healthy relationships?
We first have to compromise and communicate. Holding on to hurt from 20 or 30 years ago only affects your present relationship." She then led participants in an exercise to rebuild self-esteem after trauma, asking attendees to choose and voice positive affirmations such as "I am worthy," "I am energetic," "I am successful," "I am beautiful," "I am free," or "I am Peace." A survivor in attendance shared her personal experience of leaving an abusive relationship after violence escalated.
She described the decision to leave as difficult but life-saving and told organisers that the affirmation "I am Peace" helped her reconnect with herself as she rebuilt her life, underscoring both the emotional and practical sides of recovery. FSN Executive Director Prudence Charles-Phillip praised the turnout and the interactive format, calling the session "energetic and engaging." She said regular public education is needed to help people better manage relationships and reduce violence, noting, "We need to do this more often because people need to learn how to manage relationships.
When we understand our roles, we have less violence." Ms. Charles-Phillip also announced that FSN plans to continue joint outreach activities across the Virgin Islands to expand resources and training for other communities. The outreach concluded with a reminder that domestic violence affects entire communities and requires a collective response.
Participants left with information packs, affirmation exercises and contact details for local support services. The Office of Gender Affairs confirmed its ongoing partnership with FSN to advance public education and support services territory-wide (Government of the Virgin Islands).
For residents seeking assistance or to book government services, the Government advised calling (284) 468-3701 or using its virtual booking system. Media enquiries about the event were directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The Ministry of Health and Social Development contact provided was (284) 468-4138 and FRandall@gov.vg, and a WhatsApp contact was listed as 1(284) 468-9760 for further inquiries, according to the Government information.
Primary source: BVI Government