An average of three women die each day as a result of domestic violence and significant numbers of both men and women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.
In a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp urged victims and their families to seek assistance and for the community to work together to eliminate domestic violence here in the Virgin Islands.
The governor’s proclamation states that domestic violence has been responsible for the death of over 260 Virgin Islanders in recent years.
“Victim service agencies in the Virgin Islands assist an average of 69 victims territorially per day,” the Proclamation states. “The problem of domestic violence is not confined to any group or groups of people, but crosses all economic, racial, general, sexual orientation, educational, religious and societal barriers, and is sustained by societal indifference.”
The governor said it is time to end that indifference and for victims to report these crimes.
“Victims should be able to find the compassion, comfort and healing they need through access to medical and legal services, counseling, transitional housing and other supportive services,” the Proclamation states.
“We encourage domestic violence victims and their families to seek assistance from the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (773-9272), the Family Resource Center (776-3966) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).”
For more information, call 943-254-9393.
