There has been a 40 percent increase in the number of cases of neglect, in addition to sexual, physical and verbal abuse against the Territory’s children.

Social Worker, Ms. Laurel Freeman said following this report from the Social Development Department, that there is an urgent need for residents to advocate for the protection of the Territory’s children as the Territory is about to observe Child Abuse Prevention and Autism Awareness month in April.

Ms. Freeman explained that this month will send a message of intolerance towards violence against children and residents should feel empowered to report any suspected occurrences.

Ms. Freeman added that the department has now increased its awareness efforts by offering a wider variety of services to families within the Virgin Islands. This includes public assistance, foster care, legal aid, child-care, parental workshops and job placement.

During the month of April, the Social Development Department will launch a ‘Real Men’ campaign which would reinforce positive imagery of men with their families in the community. The campaign will be promoted via television and radio announcements.

In addition to the Social Development Department’s internal services, officers from the department will visit a school within the Territory to provide education and awareness about child abuse with a puppet show and other educational activities. 

The month will culminate with residents being invited to wear any shade of blue or a ‘Break the Silence’ t-shirt for “Wear Blue Day” to show support for children who have been abused.

Persons are also encouraged to post pictures of themselves wearing blue for the “Wear Blue Day” to the ‘Break the Silence VI’ Facebook page or use the hashtag ‘#Breakthesilence’ or ‘#btsVI’.

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 improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.