Dr Sylvia M. Symmonds, Director of Family Support Network (FSN), gave some troubling statistics about Domestic Violence in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Provided

Some of the persons that supported the Stiletto Walk yesterday, July 14, 2016. Photo: Provided

The walk was hosted by Mrs British Virgin Islands, Angelle Cameron. Photo: Provided

The Stiletto Walk was organised by Women in Need BVI (WINBVI), an organisation whose focus is to enrich lives and offer healing and empowerment to women and men who enjoy their programmes.

The walk was hosted by Mrs British Virgin Islands, Angelle Cameron.

Battling Domestic Violence in VI

The Stiletto Walk is a symbolic event to honour and recognise victims and survivors of domestic violence. The goal is to increase awareness of this problem, raise funds to support services and instill a positive change in the lives of those affected by abuse.

The walk began shortly after 5:30 P.M from C&D in Hannah’s in Sea Cows Bay and ended at Captain Mulligans for an inspiring programme where Director of Family Support Network, Dr Sylvia M. Simmonds gave a short presentation on the centre and provided some statistics on the state of the Virgin Islands when it comes to addressing domestic violence.

Troubling statistics

Dr Simmonds’ statistics revealed that FSN saw a large increase in clients from 2015 to June 2016, categorised by new clients, counselling sessions, phone call counselling, food distribution and protection orders.

The amount of children in the FSN system for 2015 is 27, while for 2016 there are some 24. Women seen by FSN in 2015 numbered 161 while for 2016, some 60 have already been catered for.

The centre has already completed over 600 counselling sessions for this year inclusive of 292 for women and 195 for children.

While they are managing in their current location and appreciate the support of the community, there is still a need of resources to enable them to be able to offer the expert assistance necessary for recovery and retribution in some cases.

Real life testimony of abuse

Persons from the audience were encouraged to rip the short runway showcasing their stilettos and in any fashion all in support of raising awareness and funding for FSN. There was an awesome performance by B’More and a very touching testimony from a real life victim of how they overcame their abusive experience and now a champion in their own right.

Members of WINBVI team and Mrs British Virgin Islands wishes to express gratitude to all who donated and supported the event namely, DJ Birch, Mr Primus, Popeye, Le Ambiance, Sensus, Captain Mulligans. 

The Stiletto walk will be an annual event and the goal is to demonstrate that “Love Does Not Hurt… unless in her heels, even if it is for a moment on the runway.