USVI marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month with array of events

CHRISTIANSTED — A series of events are scheduled locally as Virgin Islanders join millions across the nation in marking October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Local advocacy groups such as the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas, much like their national counterparts, are asking residents to wear purple this month to raise awareness about domestic violence, honor victims and show support for survivors. Coalition Director Clema Lewis said violence among family members or partners must not be tolerated.

“Domestic violence is not going anywhere and we annually ask people to support the efforts because, believe it or not, acts of domestic violence are on the rise in our community,” she said. “You see the reports in the newspapers and on social media because people continue to be victims.” Lewis said is it important for the community to be proactive in tackling the problem.

“If you see a domestic violence situation, you should not lend a blind eye. We need people to realize the seriousness of this is their business and they have a duty to call police or even call us so our advocates can step in and perhaps save a life,” she said. Domestic violence and other violent crimes affect everyone because of the resources utilized to respond to them, offering treatment and seeking justice, Lewis said.