Accessibility
Text size
Police recorded 266 domestic-related offences between January and August this year, as Minister of Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley highlighted rising reports during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The figure was one more than the 265 recorded during the same period in 2025. Annual offences rose from 349 in 2024 to 398 in 2025, an increase of approximately 14 per cent.
Domestic-related incidents also accounted for 146 of the 319 serious and minor assaults recorded from January to August 2026, or 46 per cent. In 2025, they represented 226 of 458 assaults, approximately 49 per cent.
“These figures represent reports made to the police, and we also recognise that not every incident of domestic violence is reported,” Wheatley said in a statement, citing Royal Virgin Islands Police Force data.
He said the response must combine prevention, protection, intervention, accountability and effective support for survivors.
The Ministry, through the Office of Gender Affairs, began reviewing the Domestic Violence Act, 2011 this year. Ongoing stakeholder consultations are examining legislative gaps, protection mechanisms, police powers and agencies’ responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Partnership for Peace violence intervention programme completed its 23rd cycle in June, working with participants to take responsibility for their behaviour and develop non-violent ways of managing conflict.
Wheatley said the Ministry would continue collaborating with police, social services and community organisations to strengthen support. He encouraged anyone in immediate danger to contact police and others experiencing abuse to seek assistance from organisations including the Family Support Network and Women In Need BVI.
He also appealed to relatives, friends and neighbours to take disclosures seriously and respond without blame or judgement.
“No one should have to live in fear in their own home or relationship, and no one experiencing abuse should feel that they must face it alone,” he stated.
The figure was one more than the 265 recorded during the same period in 2025. Annual offences rose from 349 in 2024 to 398 in 2025, an increase of approximately 14 per cent.
Domestic-related incidents also accounted for 146 of the 319 serious and minor assaults recorded from January to August 2026, or 46 per cent. In 2025, they represented 226 of 458 assaults, approximately 49 per cent.
“These figures represent reports made to the police, and we also recognise that not every incident of domestic violence is reported,” Wheatley said in a statement, citing Royal Virgin Islands Police Force data.
He said the response must combine prevention, protection, intervention, accountability and effective support for survivors.
The Ministry, through the Office of Gender Affairs, began reviewing the Domestic Violence Act, 2011 this year. Ongoing stakeholder consultations are examining legislative gaps, protection mechanisms, police powers and agencies’ responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Partnership for Peace violence intervention programme completed its 23rd cycle in June, working with participants to take responsibility for their behaviour and develop non-violent ways of managing conflict.
Wheatley said the Ministry would continue collaborating with police, social services and community organisations to strengthen support. He encouraged anyone in immediate danger to contact police and others experiencing abuse to seek assistance from organisations including the Family Support Network and Women In Need BVI.
He also appealed to relatives, friends and neighbours to take disclosures seriously and respond without blame or judgement.
“No one should have to live in fear in their own home or relationship, and no one experiencing abuse should feel that they must face it alone,” he stated.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.