A Family Movie Night has been organised to raise funds for families in need as part of this year’s Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month (CAPM) activities.

Head of Family Children and Protective Services of the Social Development Department, Ms. Laurel Freeman stated that since the disasters of 2017, many families have been placed in a vulnerable position. She said the department has been receiving applications for assistance and would like to provide additional support hence the fundraiser. Proceeds will go towards providing some type of relief to those families in need.

Ms. Freeman said the movies will not be revealed until the day of the showing but alluded that they will have some type of message of child abuse prevention.

“Essentially, we want to educate our audience, especially adults such as teachers, parents or anyone who may have contact with children that they need to always be aware of the signs and that we [the Social Development Department] are here to provide support in addressing any case that may arise.

The movie night is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 7 at 6:00 p.m. on Tortola at Captain Mulligans in Nanny Cay. Adult tickets can be purchased for $5 and children will be free of cost. Parents are asked to accompany their children and not to leave them unattended. Refreshments will be on sale.

The annual observance of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness in the Virgin Islands is used to educate the public on child abuse and to provide support to survivors.

Persons or groups interested in upcoming Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness activities are asked to contact the Social Development Department at 468-3650.

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