The Family Resource Center, Inc.’s board, staff, and volunteers express our deepest condolences and collective grief for the lives lost in the past week due to domestic violence. We join the entire Virgin Islands community in mourning and we genuinely hope for a more healed future for our people.
Despite our best efforts to educate, shelter, and prevent, incidents of domestic violence and abuse continue to remain a persistent and devastating threat to our people and culture. More and more, we are hearing stories of victims, children, and elders being harmed by those closest to them, in their own homes and ‘safe spaces’. Additionally, the Virgin Islands continues to have one of the highest gun-related homicide rates in the world (per capita). A small subset of our population is spreading violence throughout our society like poison and we must bring an end to this, immediately.
These victims of violence are not just numbers and data points. They are daughters, sons, friends, neighbors, loved ones, parents… They are humans worthy of dignity, happiness, respect, and life. Their absence leaves a void in our small community that cannot be filled. This sadness is a painful reminder that violence is not a distant problem, but it is up close and affecting us all. At what point, do we say “enough is enough”? How many more lives must be lost to senseless violence before we demand a cultural shift to protect our most vulnerable?
We honor these victims by refusing to look away and by refusing to allow our people to be desensitized to the alarming rates violence occurring in the Virgin Islands. We remain advocates. We remain powerful. We remain steadfast.
“Our community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of an individual affected by domestic violence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends during this incredibly challenging time. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for us to enhance our commitment to combat domestic violence. We are steadfast in our mission to ensure that every person in our community has access to the necessary support and protection they deserve. We must take immediate and effective steps to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. Together, let us prioritize community education to raise awareness and enhance safety for all.” – Anya Stuart, Executive Director of FRC.
At its core, domestic violence is about control and power over another person. It comes in many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse and it can happen to anyone. As part of our comprehensive services, FRC provides:
Men Terminating Violence Classes (MTV): a program designed for men who have previously used violence on others and is focused on teaching accountability and emotional regulation skills to break the cycle of abuse.
Parenting & Youth Classes: a program designed to support parents who have experienced domestic violence and children who have witnessed or survived abuse by helping families heal and strengthen healthy relationships.
Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing: a program designed to provide safe spaces for survivors, including assistance with relocating off-island when necessary for safety while providing case management and counseling services.
While today, and many days, we mourn; we must also act. Preventing and addressing domestic violence is possible, but it requires community-wide commitment. FRC urges the Virgin Islands community to:
Encourage loved ones: If someone you know is experiencing abuse, guide them to FRC for confidential support and safety planning. Our number is 340-776-3966.
Donate at https://www.frcusvi.org/: Monetary support is urgently needed to sustain sheltering, transitional housing, MTV intervention classes, and parenting/youth programs.
Remember: Domestic violence thrives in silence. By speaking out, we protect one another. If you see something, please say something.
Together, we can honor the lives lost and work toward a Virgin Islands free from violence.
For Help or to Donate:
Contact Family Resource Center, Inc. at (340) 776-3966 or visit https://www.frcusvi.org/ to donate directly.
