Data from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) reveals alarming trends with domestic violence incidents, including assaults and sexual offences, persistently affecting VI communities. Photo: Team of Reporters

The issue of domestic violence in the Virgin Islands remains critical, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said. Photo: YouTube

The Minister disclosed that data from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) reveals alarming trends with domestic violence incidents, including assaults and sexual offences, persistently affecting VI communities.

October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Hon Wheatley, during the Twentieth Sitting of The First Session of The Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on Friday, October 18, 2024, drew attention to the “startling and disheartening local statistics” surrounding domestic and gender-based violence. 

‘Startling stats’

According to data from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, as disclosed by Hon Wheatley, in 2019, there were 40 recorded cases of domestic violence involving male victims, including 9 serious assaults and 31 minor assaults. For female victims, there were 37 serious assaults, 66 minor assaults, and 1 murder, totalling 105 cases, accounting for 72.4% of all domestic violence incidents that year.

In 2022, the statistics were “similarly alarming”. There were 138 recorded cases of female victims, with 10 cases of sexual offences, 25 serious assaults, and 103 minor assaults, making up 71% of the total incidents. Meanwhile, 42 males reported being victims of domestic violence, facing both serious and minor assaults.

43 females & 35 male victims in 2024

In 2024, up to May, there have been 43 cases of female victims, including 5 serious assaults and 38 minor assaults. During the same period, 35 males reported being victims of domestic violence, mostly experiencing common and minor assaults.

Hon Wheatley commented that the high prevalence of minor assaults, especially against female victims, reflects the pressing need to foster healthier and more respectful relationships.

“As Minister for Health and Social Development, I remain committed to addressing this scourge through practical measures. The Ministry, in partnership with the Office of Gender Affairs, continues to implement the Partnership for Peace programme, which has positively impacted 158 men to date. This violence intervention initiative helps participants take responsibility for their actions and adopt new non-violent behaviours.

“Additionally, legislative advancements are underway with the drafting of the Sexual Offences Bill, which, once enacted, will provide a stronger legal framework to deter perpetrators and safeguard victims,” Hon Wheatley stated.

He also urged everyone to reflect on the fact that violence is a choice.