(CMR) The 20th annual Silent Witness March will be held on Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. to take a symbolic stand against domestic violence.
In 2000, BPW Cayman established the Silent Witness March as a small tribute to those who have lost their lives due to, or have been impacted by, domestic violence. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Historically under-reported, domestic violence victims have often suffered in silence, something which in many cases has had fatal consequences.
“BPW is encouraged that reporting in Cayman has quadrupled in the past 5 years but so much work still must be done. This year's theme, Safe Home, Safe Community, reflects on this year's Covid-19 pandemic. Although lockdowns globally were meant to protect the community from the threat of Covid-19, for many victims of domestic abuse these regulations meant being locked in their homes with their abusers. The UN has called the aggressive increase of domestic violence reports globally, a shadow pandemic. We should all be working towards safe homes, which of course means a safer larger community. ”
said Mehr Lamba, BPW Silent Witness March Co-Chair.
“The silent march from the Government Administration Building, past the George Town Police Station and then finally around the Courthouse represents some of the key stakeholders that play a powerful role in ensuring that domestic violence is prevented and that justice is brought to victims. However, it is important to remember that everyone has a key role to play.”
shared Cheryl Myles, BPW Silent Witness March Co-Chair.
“The Gender Affairs unit is once again proud to partner on this year's 20th Silent Witness March. Joining us at the march is a great first step, but we're really looking to every single person to become an ally. Whether it's through supporting advocacy groups, speaking up and reporting incidents as a victim or witness, or simply encouraging open discussions on the topic. We must all work towards ending violence in our homes, families, schools and greater communities.”
noted Karlene Singh, Gender Affairs Unit, CIG.
The ceremony will be hosted by Mahreen Nabi of Acorn Media and BPW Cayman executive member. Pastor Jason Knox will provide remarks. The keynote speaker for the afternoon will be Sutton Burke (MS, LCPC), trauma expert and Clinical Director of Infinite Mind Care. Her talk will focus on the mass trauma caused by the global pandemic, and notes on how this has impacted domestic violence and demand for counseling and intervention.
BPW is proud to collaborate with some key community advocates to host this year's march: Gender Affairs Unit CIG, Family Resource Centre, Cayman Islands Crisis Centre
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