Minister for Social Development Isaac Rankine said domestic violence remains “a really huge issue” in the Cayman Islands – a problem made worse by silence and underreporting.
Following the 25th annual Silent Witness March on 16 Oct., Rankine said too many victims are suffering quietly.
“Because so many remain silent, it hides a lot of what we know is there but don’t see,” he said. “While it may seem minuscule to some, we know it’s a bigger issue in our society. It’s a really huge issue.”
According to the 2024 Crime and Traffic Statistics Report, there were 1,787 domestic violence referrals across the Cayman Islands last year. Chrisanne Atkinson, outreach coordinator at The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre – a nonprofit that provides shelter, support and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse – revealed that the agency has recorded 389 calls on its 24-hour hotline so far this year, already surpassing the 278 received in all of 2024.
Domestic violence is also being witnessed by children. The 2024 Student Drug Use Survey found that nearly 9% of students aged 13 to 18 reported seeing their mother being treated violently.
Rankine said that while his ministry is modernising legislation, laws alone will not solve the problem.
“We’re bringing in new legislation and updating others,” he said. “Sometimes fixing little things leads to bigger changes.”
But his most urgent message was for victims.
“If it happens, report it,” he said. “You should never, ever, under any circumstances, have to subject yourself to abuse because you’re afraid of what might happen if you speak out. Come and report it – we’ll figure out how to help you through our agencies and departments.”
Despite grey skies and intermittent rain, more than 70 people took part in this year’s Silent Witness March, marking 25 years of remembrance and action.
First organised in 2000 by the Business and Professional Women’s Association in Grand Cayman, the march has grown into a powerful national event. Each year it unites both men and women from all walks of life to break the silence around domestic and gender-based violence.
“For 25 years, the Silent Witness March has stood as a voice for those who can no longer speak and a beacon of hope for those still suffering in silence,” said Cheryl Myles of the association. “This anniversary is not only a reflection on how far we’ve come – it’s a call to renew our collective promise to stand up, speak out and take action.”
The march began at the Government Administration Building, passed the old George Town Police Stations, the courthouse and Parliament and concluded at Constitution Hall – a symbolic route that organisers say represents shared responsibility among law enforcement, the judiciary and government to protect victims and uphold justice.
“Our route is deeply symbolic,” said Charmaine Miller, clinical supervisor at the Family Resource Centre, one of the organising partners. “Ending domestic violence requires both strong systems and strong communities.”
Among the marchers was Annie Multon, who has attended every Silent Witness March since its inception, except for last year when illness kept her away. This year, she joined in a wheelchair but remained one of the most spirited participants.
“I will not be silenced,” she said. “That’s why I come every year.”
Karlene Bramwell, senior policy advisor at the Gender Affairs Unit – another organising partner – said the event’s theme, ‘Awareness + Action = Social Change’, captures the essence of this year’s milestone.
“Joining the march is a powerful start,” Bramwell said. “But true change happens when each of us takes what we’ve learned and uses it to make our homes, schools and workplaces safer.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s 24-hour hotline at 943-2422, the Family Resource Centre at 949-0006 or 911.
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