Statement By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley

Minister For Health And Social Development

At The Twentieth Sitting Of The First Session Of The Fifth

House Of Assembly Of The Virgin Islands

Friday 18^th October 2024

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Madam Speaker, October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impacts that domestic and gender-based violence has on individuals, families, and communities both here in the Virgin Islands and globally.

Throughout the years, organisations such as the Family Support Network (FSN) and Women in Need (WINBVI) have spearheaded vital efforts to shed light on this serious issue. I extend my deepest gratitude to these organisations and their partners for their tireless work combating this human rights violation. I recognise and thank all those who have participated in the various activities organised for this awareness month. I encourage all citizens to participate going forward, allowing our collective voices to strengthen the message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

Madam Speaker, gender-based violence, which affects 1 in 3 women globally, as noted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), is not only a violation of human rights but also a public health crisis. Its effects extend beyond immediate physical harm, impacting mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Here in the Virgin Islands, the issue remains critical. The data from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force reveals alarming trends with domestic violence incidents, including assaults and sexual offences, persistently affecting our communities.

Madam Speaker, I wish to draw attention to the startling and disheartening local statistics surrounding domestic and gender-based violence. 

According to data from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force:

• In 2019, there were 40 recorded cases of domestic violence involving male victims, including 9 serious assaults and 31 minor assaults. For female victims, there were 37 serious assaults, 66 minor assaults, and 1 murder, totalling 105 cases, accounting for 72.4% of all domestic violence incidents that year.
• In 2022, the statistics were similarly alarming. There were 138 recorded cases of female victims, with 10 cases of sexual offences, 25 serious assaults, and 103 minor assaults, making up 71% of the total incidents. Meanwhile, 42 males reported being victims of domestic violence, facing both serious and minor assaults.
• In 2024, up to May, there have been 43 cases of female victims, including 5 serious assaults and 38 minor assaults. During the same period, 35 males reported being victims of domestic violence, mostly experiencing common and minor assaults.

The high prevalence of minor assaults, especially against female victims, reflects the pressing need to foster healthier and more respectful relationships.

As Minister for Health and Social Development, I remain committed to addressing this scourge through practical measures. The Ministry, in partnership with the Office of Gender Affairs, continues to implement the Partnership for Peace programme, which has positively impacted 158 men to date. This violence intervention initiative helps participants take responsibility for their actions and adopt new non-violent behaviours. Additionally, legislative advancements are underway with the drafting of the Sexual Offences Bill, which, once enacted, will provide a stronger legal framework to deter perpetrators and safeguard victims.

Madam Speaker, I wish to say to everyone listening, I urge you to reflect on the fact that violence is a choice. We all have a responsibility to foster respectful relationships and to stand up for those who may not have a voice. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, I implore you to report it to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Seeking justice through the proper channels is essential, and together, we can create a community where every person feels safe and supported.

Let us work together to create a society where violence has no place and every person can live free from fear and harm.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.