October Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Oct. 16—The U.S. Department of Justice is commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month, "paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors," according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Delia Smith.

"Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize, and every instance is unacceptable," Smith said in a statement. "Our office recognizes and appreciates the Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council and the Family Resource Center for their service to the community. The United States Attorney's Office has a duty to use all the tools at our disposal to ensure that victims have a viable path to safety and justice."

One in four women and one in seven men experience severe physical violence from intimate partners during their lifetime, and over 43 million women and 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.

"Such abuse invariably leaves an indelible mark on survivors and their families, manifesting in diverse ways — from physical harm and psychological distress to socioeconomic repercussions, encompassing housing, employment, and education," according to the news release, and "Supporting survivors and preventing these forms of violence is our shared responsibility."

The statement added that "Domestic Violence Awareness Month offers us a platform, in collaboration with community allies, to unequivocally proclaim our solidarity with survivors, reassuring them of our support and our intolerance for violence, be it within our homes, localities, workplaces, or wider communities."

The Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council encourages all to wear purple on Thursday to show their commitment to ending domestic violence and invites all to participate in a Domestic Violence Awareness March and Candlelight Vigil beginning at 5 p.m. at the Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas.

— Contact Suzanne Carlson at 340-714-9122 or email scarlson@dailynews.vi.

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