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April 18, 2008
DEJONGH HOLDS MEETING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNCIL AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE
In recognition of Domestic Violence Month, Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., along with Attorney General Vincent F. Frazer, V.I.P.D. Commissioner James H. McCall, as well as representatives from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education, and senior members of Government House staff recently held a first-ever meeting with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council, DVSAC. "I welcome today’s dialogue and look forward to working with DVSAC to identify needed resources within the Executive Branch to support training of key personnel and further delivery of needed services. Our partnership with victim advocates is a priority for this Administration, and considering the increasing amounts of domestic violence cases every year, it is important that we facilitate a greater emphasis on building healthy relationships and setting positive examples for young people and for families territory-wide," deJongh said. The timely meeting was held to address issues of distinctive and pressing concern, including strengthening the partnership between DVSAC and the V.I. Government; procuring greater funding for key resources and personnel; sharing information on firearms and the 911 territorial system; increasing accessibility to federal resources; building local and federal cooperation; providing for additional preventative programs; improving the effectiveness and reach of current legislation, and developing a more comprehensive and inclusive budget. The meeting was an important step in further understanding the protections needed for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the territory. "We must do all that we can to make sure that this important dialogue continues and that the departments and agencies involved, whether as first responders or otherwise, are equipped to protect all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the territory. As a community, we are charged with working cooperatively to seek solutions to these broad-based and important issues," deJongh said. Prior to the meeting with Governor deJongh, the DVSAC forwarded a list of suggestions and recommendations regarding issues of concern and other support requested. The list of action items was discussed in full at the Government House meeting. The Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) is a territory-wide, non-partisan, non-profit membership organization committed to ending domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence. DVSAC provides education, training, technical assistance and other types of support to domestic violence and sexual assault programs and advocates, and other service providers. The DVSAC coalition is comprised of the following member agencies: Women’s Coalition of St. Croix; Family Resource Center of St. Thomas; the St. John Community Center; The Safety Zone of St. John; Law Enforcement Planning Commission; Legal Services of the Virgin Islands; Men’s Coalition of the Virgin Islands; Office of the U.S. Attorney; Superior Court of the Virgin Islands; The Village; VICARE; V.I. Firearms Taskforce; V.I. Department of Health/Division of Mental Health; V.I. Department of Human Services; V.I. Department of Justice; and the V.I. Police Department. DVSAC was formed in 1987 on St. Croix. |
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