SDD reaffirms support for abuse survivors after viral post
The Social Development Department has reiterated its commitment to supporting survivors of abuse, following a viral social media post that detailed disturbing allegations of childhood sexual abuse.
The department’s statement came in the wake of an emotional online disclosure by a woman who alleged that she was abused by her stepfather and a church elder from a young age. The post, which has since drawn widespread attention and support online, recounted multiple incidents of abuse beginning at age nine in Tortola. Up to publication time, no criminal charges have been announced in connection with the allegations.
The department acknowledged the lasting trauma such experiences can cause, especially within close-knit communities. It encouraged survivors to seek help and reminded the public that speaking out requires strength.
“The Social Development Department is reaffirming its commitment to supporting survivors of abuse and is encouraging the public to speak out and seek assistance,” the statement read.
Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, Laurel Freeman, said that breaking the silence is a powerful and courageous act.
“Your voice has the power to heal, to protect, and to inspire. When you speak your truth, you help others who are still too afraid to speak out. You help create a world where silence no longer protects those who harm, but instead uplifts those who have survived the unimaginable,” Freeman stated.
Freeman noted that the department is equipped to provide support throughout the healing journey and assured survivors that their stories matter.
“The department stands ready to provide support, guidance, and resources to survivors at every stage of their healing process. Individuals are encouraged to reach out when they feel ready, knowing that they will be met with compassion, confidentiality, and respect,” she explained.
The department also reminded residents that abuse is never the fault of the survivor and provided contact numbers for those in need of help. The public can reach the Social Development Department at 468-9371 or the Family and Juvenile Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force at 468-9904 or 911.
“Your voice can break cycles. Your truth can change lives. Your courage can change the Virgin Islands,” Freeman asserted.
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there are many more cases like this, that is bvi’s real secret
Of course there is. As a teacher I can tell you there certainly is. Many of my students struggle with all kinds of abuse everyday. I have even encourage some to come report it to the police. The challenge is, nothing happens to the ‘perverts’ and the children are placed back with these persons. And the cycle continues. I think the BVI legislation doesn’t have the provisions like the US where as once a report the child is removed, in the BVI it has to be proven before they remove the child. Meanwhile the acts continue, since most of them happen in the home or with family members.
If there was removal in BVI where would the child go?
to punish the abusers due to BVI laws and the court system. 20 years ago AP was found guilty of various sex crimes with a minor. He appealed the conviction and never served any time incarcerated.
The government workers who prey on the females will get what’s coming to them,too.
You,i and everyone know that from elementary to high school, even in the home, from time immorial to present, have been constant victims of male advancement and defoilment.
What has the sanctified society said or done to stop it? Nothing!
Abuse of every sort is perpetuated in this and every society daily across the world and here at home.
However, a media AD and a radio programm are merely attempts at highlighting a problems, while nothing pragmatic or effective is ever done to alleviate problems. That is the way things never get done here.
For example, the mandatory vaccinations ordered during the covid pandemic was an official not well thought out abuse of political power, mandated by a dictatorial notion of protecting lives while making the phamaceutical industry bountifully rich,killing and maming thousands to millions.
It killed many. The vaccines brought permanent illnesses and neurological disorders to many, myself included. It, the negative effects of the vaccine, have some,including this educator, still wishing to return to the classroom, but will never again in this life time.
Hence, the abuse is found in the complete medical, financial and physical negect of those who were gravely injured and survived to live daily with significant medical problems.
Indeed,the government and health department should have and still should set up safety and care net and or programs those who are suffering in silence decay and rot.
Moreover,when asked for assistance, the answer and suggestion were very repulsive, unsymphathetic and were uncaring one from district rep. whose place and name cannot be mentioned here.
More, it was the medicine and citizenship of another country that saved my life, as my bones would be white and flesh already consumed by terrestial worms.
In those sense then, the inattention to those who were maimed, careers forever deferred and lives destroyed are testaments to that of a cold blooded beast. Our Greedy Bill recipients appear mindless, thoughtless and heartless.
Finally, this post seeks to highlight and bring to the fore the real after of a mandatory vaccine and its lethal ongoing life changing effects in hopes of attracting political attention and some sort of remedy and or support
who were injured in the line of duty,and who can no longer function in that duty.
Can’t the young woman’s account be used to press charges?
Any one who abuse a child of mine like that and I found out, something will happen to that person. I would not threaten them or I would not bet them, but something will happen to them. That’s past disgusting and using the name of the Lord in vain. Aah eat s**t maggot brain.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT???REALLY!! SOME OF THESE FOLKS ( MOSTLY LADIES!!) THAT MAKE UP THIS DEPARTMENT,WELL NEED COUNSELLING AND HELP THROUGH THEIR OWN TRAUMAS,WHILE SOME JUST SEE IT AS 9 TO 5 TO MIND PEOPLES BUSINESS!! TRUST ME!! THERE ARE MANY MORE LIKR THIS VICTIM LIVING AMONG US!!
Abuse that can be avoided should be avoided, if parents are aware that they can be more careful and protective of their children. The people of the BVI needs to be more proactive rather than putting hope in these SSD which should be doing more to educate the public.
There is information online that can help persons on how to prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse of children on such websites as d2l.org. Level up instead of waiting until something happens to make a talking season out of it.
Sounds like you have been in close contact big mama.
Stop causing confusion and look after your own personal affairs.
The Government is not responsible for your bad choices and terrible decisions.
People know of abuse but say nothing because the abuser is often a family member irvfriend
Parents stop
Allowing your girl child to have sleep over
Nature secret shoving abuse under the rug