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September 25, 2007
Governor deJongh proclaims Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of October 2007, as "Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month," in the Virgin Islands. Domestic and sexual violence are serious crimes which violates a person’s trust and feeling of safety. The problems of domestic and sexual violence are not confined to any group of people but crosses all economic, racial, religious, ethnic, and social barriers, and all ages, physical abilities and lifestyles. Sexual violence occurs anytime a person is forced, coerced and/or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. Sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, martial or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure or voyeurism. Domestic and sexual violence places victims at a significantly higher risk of experiencing long-term mental health consequences, including suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, promiscuity, low self-esteem, psychiatric hospitalization and post-traumatic stress disorder. The crimes of domestic and sexual violence violates an individual's privacy, dignity, humanity and security, often leaving an imprint of fear and hostility, and emotional and psychological damage. In our quest to impose sanctions on those who break the law by perpetrating violence, we must also meet the needs of the battered women and their children who often suffer grave financial, physical, and psychological losses. The dedication and successes of those working to end domestic and sexual violence and the strength of those survivors of domestic and sexual violence should be recognized. Domestic and sexual violence costs our Nation over $5 billion annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters, foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity. There is a need to increase the public awareness and understanding of domestic and sexual violence. "I call upon residents of the Virgin Islands to join in this observance and to participate in the activities scheduled for this month, and work toward elimination of domestic and sexual violence in our community," Gov. deJongh concluded. |
