The Virgin Islands is observing Domestic Violence Awareness in October. Photo: Internet Source

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), said he stands with all survivors of domestic violence. Photo: GIS

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force recorded 266 domestic-related offences in the Virgin Islands (VI) from January to August 2026. Photo: RVIPF

“I stand with every person who has experienced domestic violence and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to ensuring that those affected can find protection and support,” the minister said. 

The figures were provided by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), and Hon Wheatley said it demonstrates why domestic violence continues to require sustained attention.

For January through August 2026, police recorded 266 domestic-related offences, compared with 265 during the same period in 2025. Of the 319 serious and minor assaults recorded during that period in 2026, 146 or 46 per cent, were domestic-related. 

In comparison, police records show that in 2025 there were 398 domestic-related offences recorded, compared with 349 in 2024. This represents an increase of 49 offences, or approximately 14 per cent. Of the 458 serious and minor assaults recorded during 2025, 226, approximately 49 per cent, were domestic-related.

“This year’s observance also gives us an opportunity to look honestly at where we are as a Territory,” Hon Wheatley added. “These figures represent reports made to the police, and we also recognise that not every incident of domestic violence is reported…The figures also make clear that, despite the work being undertaken, domestic violence remains a serious concern in our Territory.”

DV response can’t be limited to awareness

Hon Wheatley also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that those affected can find protection and support.

Domestic violence, he said, may take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, and regardless of the form it takes, no one should have to live in fear in their own home or relationship. 

“No one experiencing abuse should feel that they must face it alone. Our response therefore cannot be limited to awareness. It must combine prevention, protection, intervention, accountability and effective support for survivors.”

He said stakeholder consultations have begun and continue following the initiation of a review of the Domestic Violence Act, 2011, and that the Domestic Violence Protocol remains an important operational framework for coordinating the response of agencies and service providers.

Partnership for Peace Programme

Hon Wheatley said work continues with people who have used violence and that the Partnership for Peace programme, implemented through the Office of Gender Affairs in collaboration with the Magistracy, completed its 23rd cycle in June 2026.  

“Accountability is an essential part of prevention. Supporting survivors and holding persons who use violence accountable are not competing objectives. Both are necessary if we are to break cycles of violence within families and across generations.”

He added that legislation and Government programmes alone will not end domestic violence. “Effective prevention also requires us to examine the attitudes and behaviours that allow abuse to continue. We must teach our children about respect, healthy relationships, and appropriate ways of resolving conflict.”

Hon Whealtey said the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Office of Gender Affairs will continue working with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Social Development Department, Family Support Network (FSN), Women In Need BVI (WINBVI) and other community partners to strengthen prevention, improve coordination and ensure that persons affected by domestic violence are connected to appropriate assistance. 

Help is available; we stand with you

“To anyone experiencing domestic violence, I want you to know that help is available,” the legislator said.

Those who feel they are in immediate danger are encouraged to contact the Police, reach out to the Social Development Department, Family Support Network, Women in Need BVI (WINBVI), the Office of Gender Affairs or another trusted service provider for guidance and support.

“Seeking help is not weakness. Your safety matters. Your dignity matters. You deserve to be treated with respect…To survivors, we stand with you. To those who use violence, accountability and change are necessary. To every member of our community, we all have a role to play.”