The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix took to the streets of Christiansted Thursday for the annual “Take Back the Night” event, the 36th time the group has commemorated those who lost their lives due to domestic violence.
In its first event since Hurricane Maria struck the territory, Debra Benjamin, communications coordinator for the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, organized the event with just 24 hours notice after the group received approval from the Lt. Gov. Potter’s office to march from Lutheran Parish Hall on King Street in to Sunday Market Square Christiansted.
The event is usually held on the third Thursday in October, but this year “We just got approval from Lt. Gov. Potter yesterday” and this year is the 30th anniversary of Domestic Violence Aware Month, Benjamin explained.
Many showed up to show their support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The Women’s Coalition has had to limit their yearly events due to the hurricane, however, they did participate in the V.I. Wear Purple Day in conjunction with the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Benjamin said, we “encourage them to get educated,” referring to individuals who may be victims of domestic violence and their supporters.
Women’s Coalition of St. Croix Crisis Counselor Sheelene Gumbs read off the names of victims who have died due to domestic violence as supporters held up signs with the victims’ names, some as young as babies.
“We want to be remembered and want to remember them as well,” Gumbs reiterated to teary faces surrounding the circle of support at the end of the march.
In addition to supporting victims of domestic violence, the Women’s Coalition is currently involved in disaster relief.
“We have wonderful supporters here and abroad sending us items,” Benjamin exclaimed. The Women’s Coalition will be conducting outreach in the surrounding communities for those individuals who may be unable to get help on their own.
Any victim of domestic violence or who knows someone who is can call the coalition’s 24-hour hotline at 340-773-9272. Volunteers are needed, and individuals who want to help can donate directly at the Women’s Coalition web site at wcstx.org or can purchase items from one of the three stores run by Women’s Coalition: Closet To Closet, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Shabby Chic Corner, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; and The Home Store, open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
