The Virgin Islands’s first roundtable discussion on ending digital violence against women and girls took place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at the Government House. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr David D. Archer, Jr has emphasised the need for a united response to address digitial violence. Photo: Internet Source.

The roundtable discussion on ending digital violence against women and girls brought together policymakers, law enforcement and representatives from gender equality advocacy groups. Photo: Office of the Deputy Governor

His remarks came during the Virgin Islands’ first roundtable discussion on ending digital violence against women and girls, which took place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at the Government House. 

Mr Archer, Jr., stated, "Digital violence is crossing borders at a scale and speed not previously seen. It is not just a legal issue- it is a societal challenge that demands a united response. We must ensure our laws are fit-for-purpose, educate our communities and build partnerships that extend beyond government. Gender equality is not only a human right- it is fundamental to security and prosperity in the Virgin Islands. When women and girls are represented at all levels, we unlock innovation, strengthen governance and drive sustainable growth for all. Together, we can create safer digital spaces, protect women and girls from harm in every sphere of life and empower them to thrive."

Digital violence is a growing concern 

Recently, there has been a growing concern over digital violence, which is increasingly threatening the safety and well-being of women and girls worldwide. This issue was highlighted as the theme of this year’s ‘16 Days of Activism’, a global campaign led annually by UN Women to end violence against women and girls.

Digital violence is becoming more pervasive, crossing borders at an unprecedented scale and speed.

To address these growing concerns, the Governor’s Office and the Office of Gender Affairs convened the roundtable discussion, which brought together policymakers, law enforcement and representatives from gender equality advocacy groups.

Framework tackling digital violence

Detective Inspector Kendolph Bobb, Head of the Family and Juvenile Unit at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, outlined the current legal framework for tackling digital violence against women and girls, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2019 amendments, and highlighted enforcement challenges. Cases of digital violence against women and girls here in the Virgin Islands include child sexual exploitation and online grooming, possession of adult or child sexual exploitation material, cyber threats, online blackmail and cyberbullying, which is the most common of these types of crimes.

Meantime, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mrs Sheniah Armstrong-Jones, added, "Digital violence is not confined to screens, it has real and lasting consequences for mental health, physical safety, family stability and community wellbeing. From the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s perspective, this is both a public health and a social protection issue, particularly where women and girls are concerned. Through stronger coordination, public education, survivor-centred services and modernised policy responses, we are committed to ensuring that our digital spaces are just as safe as our physical ones. Ending digital violence requires collective responsibility, and today’s discussion represents an important step toward building a more informed, responsive and protective system for the Virgin Islands."