Mapp Proclaims October As Domestic Violence Awareness Month

ST. THOMAS — In a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Governor Kenneth Mapp urged victims and their families to seek assistance, and for the community to work together to eliminate domestic violence in the territory.

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, according to Government House.

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.”

Mr. Mapp 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 (340-773-9272), Family Resource Center (340-776-3966) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).”

Feature Image: St. Croix Women participate in  Women’s Coalition’s 2015 Women’s Race. (Credit: Ernice Gilbert, VIC)

Correction: Oct. 15, 2016

Because of a text error, the title of this story stated that the governor proclaimed November as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The correct month, as included in the body of the story, is October. The story has been updated to reflect the correct information.