The Department of Gender Affairs observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 2024: The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence as we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. Under the theme “Stop the Pain, Break the Chain: Silence Hides Violence,” we aim to raise awareness, offer support, and encourage individuals to speak out against all forms of domestic abuse.

Domestic violence is a hidden epidemic that thrives in silence. Every day, countless individuals suffer in fear and isolation, trapped in cycles of abuse. This month, we are calling on everyone to break that silence and be a voice for change.

“Domestic violence is not just a private issue—it affects entire communities,” says Mrs Carolyn Dickenson, Director of the Department of Gender Affairs. “By speaking up, offering support, and educating ourselves, we can collectively break the chain of violence that has held so many victims captive.”

Throughout the month of October, the Department of Gender Affairs will be hosting a series of events to raise awareness, provide resources, and foster community support for those impacted by domestic violence, including:

• Five Minutes with Gender:Aired every Tuesday on RTC, these segments will provide insights into gender-based violence and its impact on the community from the lens of different organisations.
• Gender Pop-Up:Held every Friday across the islands, these interactive sessions will engage the public in discussions about domestic violence and gender issues.
• Purple Fridays:We encourage everyone to wear purple on Fridays throughout October to show solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence.
• Town Hall Meeting:A community-wide forum to discuss domestic violence and ways to prevent it, providing a platform for survivors, advocates, and community leaders at the Blue Hills New Testament Church.
• Church Service:A service of reflection and prayer for victims and survivors of domestic violence, reinforcing community support and solidarity, held in Grand Turk at the Church of God Prophecy.
• Sensitisation Sessions:Educational and awareness sessions across the islands aimed at educating communities on the signs of abuse and how to support those affected.
• Public Awareness Campaigns:Throughout the month, we will encourage individuals to break the silence and seek help with messaging designed to educate the public on available resources and how to intervene.

We are calling on everyone to join us in the fight against domestic violence. By standing together, we can stop the pain, break the chain, and shine a light on the violence that silence hides.

For more information about our events and how you can get involved, please contact us via email at genderaffairs@gov.tc or 649-338-2686.

Let’s work together to end domestic violence. Speak up. Speak out. Break the silence.