Stakeholders Consulted on Amendments to Domestic Violence
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through the Office of Gender Affairs, convened a multi-agency stakeholder consultation to review and identify proposed amendments to the Domestic Violence Act (2011). The meeting reviewed the Virgin Islands Act alongside OECS model bills, identified priority reform areas, and agreed next steps for drafting amendments to strengthen protections for victims and survivors. The event, held at the Ministry’s Training Room in Long Bush, brought together government departments, the judiciary, law enforcement, social services and partner agencies; officials said a separate session will follow to revisit the operational Domestic Violence Protocol (BVI Government release).
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through its Office of Gender Affairs, held a stakeholder consultation at the Ministry’s Training Room in Long Bush to review and identify proposed amendments to the Domestic Violence Act (2011). The meeting brought together representatives from government departments, the judiciary, law enforcement, social services and partner agencies that respond to domestic violence in the Virgin Islands.
Organisers said the exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen protections for victims and survivors and to ensure the legislative framework reflects current needs (BVI Government press release). In his opening remarks, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent Wheatley reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening the legislative framework and ensuring victims receive the protection and support they deserve.
He noted that while the Domestic Violence Protocol remains the operational framework guiding interagency responses and support services, this consultation specifically focused on reviewing the Act itself and that a separate consultation will be convened to continue discussions relating to the Protocol (BVI Government).
The Minister also highlighted ongoing prevention and rehabilitation work, including the Gender Affairs Unit’s Partnership for Peace Violence Intervention Programme — a 16-session psychoeducational programme for men that promotes the message that violence is a choice and aims to encourage long-term behavioural change. “Strengthening the Domestic Violence Act remains critical to ensuring accountability, improving protection for victims and survivors, and supporting long term behavioural change within our communities,” he said (quoted in BVI Government release).
Facilitator and Ministerial Special Adviser on Gender Affairs Ms. Patricia Hackett guided discussions that examined the Virgin Islands Act alongside the OECS Model Domestic Violence Bills of 2011 and 2022. Participants explored proposed amendments on evidentiary procedures, police powers, protection order mechanisms, definitions, jurisdiction and the statutory responsibilities of agencies under the law — drawing on outcomes shared from previous Domestic Violence Protocol technical meetings (Ministry of Health and Social Development; Guavaberry reporting).
Stakeholders presented recommendations in plenary and identified priority areas for reform. Expected outcomes from the consultation include a consolidated draft list of legislative gaps requiring amendment, agreement on immediate priorities, and clarity on next steps and responsibilities for advancing the amendment process (BVI Government; Guavaberry).
For BVI residents, the consultation signals a coordinated push toward updated laws that aim to improve access to protection, strengthen accountability, and better align practice with contemporary regional standards. Officials emphasised that the reform process depends on collaboration and the practical insights of agencies and organisations that work directly with survivors and their families every day (BVI Government).
Further consultations and legislative drafting will be required before any changes can be enacted. The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen protections and promote safer communities throughout the Virgin Islands (BVI Government).
Primary source: Guavaberry