ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, October 14th, 2011   – The Office of Gender Affairs, in collaboration with the Family Support Network (FSN), is commencing its activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month by having a family fun day at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The month-long observance coincides with the recent passing of the National Domestic Violence Act, 2011, which was passed on September 6, 2011. The activities will also aid in educating the public about domestic violence in the Territory; how it can be prevented and the effects of domestic violence on victims of domestic abuse and their families.

The Coordinator of Gender Affairs, Ms. Lorolie Connor said, “The subject of domestic violence continues to be an issue of serious concern in our community. Domestic violence destroys families and the community on a whole.”

The public’s involvement and support of the scheduled activities will give hope to victims of domestic abuse and send a message that domestic violence will not be tolerated. Director of FSN, Chonda Jeffers, added, “Our aim is to break the silence. During this month we would like the community to partner with us by attending our events to help raise funds for our cause.”

The Office of Gender Affairs is responsible for mainstreaming gender through the implementation of policies and programmes that will promote gender equality and equity in the Virgin Islands. For more information on the services provided by this office, please call 494-3701, ext 2234 or 2236.

The Family Support Network is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that provides an array of services, such as counselling for victims of rape and sexual assault and provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, rape and assault, as well as their children.

For more information on the services provided by FSN, please call 494-7622 or 499-0999.

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