October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. United States Attorney Delia L. Smith joins the U.S. Department of Justice in 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 press release Friday.
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, the press release stated.
Supporting survivors and preventing these forms of violence is our shared responsibility.
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 release stated.
“Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize, and every instance is
unacceptable,” said Smith. “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,” she said.
The Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council encourages all to wear
purple on Oct. 19 to show your commitment to ending domestic violence, and invites all to participate in a Domestic Violence Awareness March and Candlelight Vigil beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas.
