On Tuesday, 25 Oct., activists, advocates as well as members of the community will take to the streets of George Town to demonstrate against domestic violence and bullying in the 22nd annual Silent Witness March.
The march, which is characterised by the silence of participants and plain placards representing victims, was started locally by the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) of Grand Cayman.
It is used to shine the spotlight on domestic violence and the impact it has on the lives of the victims. Last year’s event was cancelled due to looming bad weather.
However, this year’s march, which will begin at 3:30pm at the Government Administration Building, will be held as scheduled and also raising awareness on the issue of bullying.
Business and Professional Women’s Association president Cheryl Myles, through a statement on the march, said this year’s theme is #Every1KnowsSome1.
“[It] highlights how common domestic violence is, and that it is much more than just physical violence. We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that if you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, you are not alone; there is support and resources to get yourself or the person you know out of the situation,” she said.
The BWP statement pointed out that the World Health Organization estimates that one in three women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
Locally, the RCIPS received 1,735 domestic violence referrals in 2021, it added.
The Silent Witness March began in Minnesota in 1990 after a group of women, media and non-profit organisations chose to demonstrate against the growing amount of domestic violence cases in their area.
“In 2000, The Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) of Grand Cayman brought the initiative to the Cayman Islands. Today, the March is held each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in partnership with the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, the Gender Affairs Unit and the Family Resource Centre,” the BPW statement said.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or bullying, or if you need further information or support, visit the following websites:
• Cayman Islands Crisis Centre www.cicc.ky
• Alliance to End Domestic Violence (Cayman)www.alliancetoenddv.org
• Gender Affairs Unit www.genderequality.gov.ky
Other key stakeholders include the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Department of Children and Family Services, Needs Assessment Unit, Health Services Authority, Department of Community Rehabilitation, Cayman Islands Judicial Administration and the Cayman Islands Prison Service.
“The involvement of each agency highlights the multi-pronged approach that is necessary to support victims and survivors of domestic violence in their journey,” the BPW statement added.
The march, which starts at the Government Administration Building on Elgin Avenue, will pass the Central Police Station, the Courthouse Building, and the House of Parliament before arriving at Constitution Hall.
“The symbolic journey past each of these entities exemplifies the roles legislators, law enforcement and the courts play in the support and protection of the victims and survivors of domestic violence,” BPW said, adding that the public is urged to participate in the march and are encouraged to wear purple in solidarity for those who are impacted by domestic violence and bullying within the community.
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