Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the territory to bring attention to a problem that accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime in the United States and has led to the death of 260 Virgin Islanders in the last decade.
One of every three women and one of every four men have been abused by an intimate partner in the country, and one of every seven and one of every 18 men have been stalked. Additionally, about 15.5 million children in the United States are exposed to domestic violence every year. Victim service agencies in the territory assist an average of 69 victims, daily.
“Domestic violence impacts women, men and children of every age, every background and religion. It takes away their independence, freedom and sense of security, and victims often face a significant threat to their health and safety,” Bryan said.
“My administration is working hard to ensure we build on progress already made in improving domestic violence prevention and response efforts. We will continue to support organizations such as the Women’s Coalition in bringing awareness to and providing protections against domestic violence,” said Bryan.
Victims of domestic violence in the territory can call the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix at 773-9272, the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas at 776-3966 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
