The office of Gender Affairs is continuing to partner with organisations to educate residents of the Virgin Islands’ on the Domestic Violence Act, 2011 as part of advocacy activities during this month.

Coordinator, Ms. Tara Sue Morgan stated that the month of October is being observed as Domestic Violence Awareness month and sessions are being held to educate persons on the dangers of domestic violence and signs one can look out for to prevent it.  

Ms. Morgan said, “This is being done under the theme: Domestic Violence Awareness+Action= Life Change. When information is given out it has to be acted upon to bring about change.”

The coordinator added that it is important to get the message out that there is “no excuse for abuse. “This is to drive nation-wide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that lead to domestic violence,” She added.

Residents are encouraged to wear purple, the international colour of domestic violence awareness to show national unity in a stance against domestic violence on Thursday, October 31.

For more information on Domestic Violence Awareness activities, persons can telephone the Office of Gender Affairs at 468-2234.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an international observance geared at creating community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Note : 

Pictured is Coordinator Tara Sue Morgan during a consultation meeting held on the Domestic Violence Act, 2011. (Photo Credit: Adrianna Soverall/MHSD)