Oct. 5, 2007 – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month, battered women's advocates in the Virgin Islands and across the nation are working to focus public attention on the epidemic of domestic violence and encouraging all Americans to become part of the solution.
Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions. In the United States, four million women are physically abused each year by the men who promised to love them. Here in the Virgin Islands, thousands of women report domestic violence incidents each year. Over the years, 36 people in the territory have been murdered by their partners.
How many women must die? How many children must lose their innocence? How many more people must be emotionally scarred before we say, "Enough is enough!" No person should fear violence in his or her own home. No child should dread coming home. But help is out there. This month, domestic violence prevention advocates will be raising awareness of domestic violence, providing people with ideas for action and letting victims who are abused know that they are not alone and that help is available.
Domestic violence affects all of us – every community, every workplace, every family. We all have a responsibility to end domestic violence. Action can be as simple as contributing clothing or food to a local women's shelter. Some people might prefer to volunteer their time to a local program. Affixing a bumper sticker to a car requires only a few seconds, but sends a clear message that: There's no excuse for domestic violence! On St. Croix, help victims at our shelter for battered women and their children by bringing items such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cleaning supplies, games, toys, clothing and canned food to our Crisis Center at No. 7 East Street, in Christiansted. Raise awareness by wearing a purple ribbon throughout the month of October. Ribbons can be picked up at several locations throughout the island and at the Women's Coalition Office, Christiansted.
And don't forget to participate in the annual "Take Back the Night" candlelight march at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 18, in Christiansted. Individuals who are looking for ways to help or who would like to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities can call the Women's Coalition of St. Croix at 773-9272, the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas at 776-3966, or The Safety Zone on St. John at 693-5757, for more information.
We urge you to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month by joining in the efforts of advocates to reduce domestic violence in our community.
Editor's note: Women's Coalition of St. Croix is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending violence and promoting freedom from the oppression of racism and sexism in our community. They help victims of all crimes. Their address is: P.O. Box 222734 (7 East Street), Christiansted, St. Croix 00822. Phone: 773-9272; Fax: 773-9062.
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
