The Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) asks the public to join it in observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. DVSAC’s initiatives help to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to educate the territory on how to prevent it as well as to share resources available to those impacted by domestic violence.
The organization’s official launch will begin with Gov. Albert Bryan’s signing of DVSAC’s Proclamation, committing to the support and end of the public health crisis of domestic violence. This proclamation calls attention to domestic violence in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Be a part of these events or become a volunteer.
Events scheduled on each island in the territory by DVSAC community outreach specialists are:
St. Croix – Ride Out Against Domestic Violence. This event will begin at 3 p.m. (registration will be at 2:30 p.m.), Sunday, Oct. 2. The DVSAC St. Croix office in partnership with the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation will host this event. The starting point is the DVSAC’s office in the Sion Farm Shopping Center parking lot and the end is at Buddhoe Park in Frederiksted.
All ages, bikes and fitness levels are welcomed. A donation of $25 will be required; T-shirts, towels and other giveaways and refreshments will be provided while they last. Additional donations are always welcomed. Bring your bicycles.
St. Thomas – Dog Walk Against Domestic Violence will take place at 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8 (registration will begin at 7:30). The DVSAC St. Thomas office in partnership with the Humane Society of St. Thomas will host “Dog Walk Against Domestic Violence.” The starting point of the event is at the Emancipation Garden. Walk along the Waterfront and back to Emancipation Garden. Participants don’t need to have a dog to join in because The Humane Society will be providing dogs for the walk. A donation of $20 will be required, and T-shirts, towels, and other giveaways will be provided.
St. John – Shout Out ride Out Against Domestic Violence at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22. The DVSAC St. John office in partnership with the Left Lane Cyclers will host “Shout Out-Ride Out Against Domestic Violence.” The starting point of the event is at the St. John National Park to Moorehead Point where biodegradable lanterns will be released to commemorate victims and survivors of domestic violence; then walk back to Frank Powell Park. All members of the St. John community are welcome to participate in this event.
