A hush fell over the busy streets of George Town on Thursday as demonstrators walked in silent tribute to those who have suffered as a result of domestic violence.
Demonstrators, dressed in purple, held red silhouette figures to symbolise victims of abuse, in the annual Silent Witness March.
“The Silent Witness Walk began as a small tribute to those who tragically lost their lives or have been greatly impacted by domestic violence,” said president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club Cheryl Myles in opening remarks.
The demonstrators walked 15 minutes along a route that began at the Government Administration Building lawn, passed George Town Police Station, the courthouse and Parliament House, and ending at Constitution Hall.
“This occasion was a solemn reminder of the significance of our collective effort,” said Myles. “The route was deliberate, each location on our route is where we seek justice and where our laws are enacted.”
Following the walk, demonstrators filed into Constitution Hall for a formal ceremony, as members from the Boyz2Men youth group quietly laid the red silhouettes around the room.
Myles said this year’s theme, ‘Every1KnowsSome1’, is a “reminder of the alarming statistics [that] one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime”.
She noted these numbers “paint an emotional, painful picture of the reality many in our community face.
“Historically, domestic violence has been underreported and victims have often suffered in silence. Tragically, this silence has, in many cases, had fatal consequences.”
She added that the gathering was not only “to remember those who have been lost, but to ensure that their stories do not fade away and their silent cries do not go unheard”.
For anyone encountering a domestic violence or bullying situation, Dr. Kathryn Whittaker, senior psychotherapist, and trauma-informed therapy specialist with ASPIRE, underscored that victims are not alone, and “there are a huge number of resources on island available to support you”.
She listed resources such as CAYMIND mental health helpline (1-800-534-6463), the Department of Counselling Services, Family Resource Centre, OnCourse Cayman, Infinite Mindcare, The Wellness Centre, Life Options and ASPIRE.
Whittaker emphasised the need for observation and options. “We all have a role to play in observing the people and environments around us, and then supporting, reporting or discussing options with those impacted.”
Whittaker reminded attendees to be present and proceed mindfully. “It is often easy to ask a survivor why they don’t just leave a situation of domestic violence. However, it is important to be mindful of all of the factors that may impact their decision and to allow them to be present and proceed with mindfulness,” she said.
“For those directly and indirectly impacted by domestic violence, stories of struggle, strife and ongoing challenges can feel heavy,” she said.
“It is important for survivors, observers and everyone to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and many ways to seek and find joy in life, within and without the presence of a perpetrator.”
Karlene Bramwell, of government’s Gender Affairs Unit, urged everyone present to be part of the solution.
“It is the prevailing culture of the community which can make the difference between whether a victim/survivor seeks help or not; and whether an offender makes efforts to cease abusive behaviour or not. We, collectively, determine what behaviour is considered socially acceptable.”
This year’s event also included a poem titled ‘The Stranger Never Arrived’, delivered by local poet Hylton Grace, and entertainment by Bailamos Dance Studio.
It was hosted by the Business and Professional Women’s Club in collaboration with the Family Resource Centre, Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, the Department of Counselling Services, and the Gender Affairs Unit.
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