The stabbing to death of a 25-year-old Nicaraguan woman in the early morning hours last Saturday has brought the problem of domestic violence back to the forefront. According to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service's (RCIPS) Press Liaison Officer, Deborah Denis, a 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident.
It is not known whether the couple were married, but they were living together according to information gathered from witnesses at the scene.
"Witnesses reported that they were seen at Meringue Town, Zodiac Club and the Sean Inn before the incident," said Ms Denis. "It is too early to tell if there was drinking or if drugs were involved.
"We are waiting to reveal her name until the next of kin in Nicaragua are informed."
She explained that the man is Nicaraguan and currently in custody and if he is charged then it will most likely be before the end of the week.
According to RCIPS, someone called 911 to report a disturbance at 3:20 am on 12 August at an address in Pool Lane, George Town.
When the police arrived at the scene they found a 25-year-old Nicaraguan woman with stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The police are calling for witnesses who may have seen or heard something that might assist the investigation. Moreover, the police are also interested in talking with anyone who may have seen either the man or the woman at Zodiac Club, the Sea Inn bar or the Meringue Town Bar on the night the incident occurred.
Ms Denis explained that the Family Support Unit has noticed a rise in the reporting of domestic violence incidents and she believes that this is a strong indicator that more victims are coming forward. She stated that generally women form the highest percentage of victims, there are male victims but this abuse tends to be more emotional and financial rather than physical abuse.
The Acting Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, Marlene Swanson, stated that this alleged incident of domestic violence tragedy is still common throughout the country.
Furthermore, there appears to be an increasing number of women with two and three children who are seeking shelter from domestic violence.
"Every individual has a right to live a life free of violence and fear," said Ms Swanson. "The incident, which occurred during the weekend, is an unfortunate tragedy. It highlights the fact that domestic violence does exist in the Cayman Islands. We, at Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, want to take the opportunity to remind victims that we do provide safe shelter at the Centre."
She added that the Crisis Centre has a confidential 24-hour hot line, which is 943-CICC. But victims can also seek help at the Women's Resource Centre, the Counselling Centre and the Family Support Unit.
The police continue to ask the public for help regarding this incident and they can call 949 4222 or Crime Stoppers on 800 (TIPS). The public is also reminded that callers to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
shurna@caymannetnews.com
