Bringing together both men and women the Business Professional Women's (BPW) Silent Witness March aimed to raise awareness about domestic violence here in the Cayman Islands, while on the same day around the world women who have died as a result of, or are subjected to domestic abuse were remembered.

The march began at the Glass House and ended in front of the Legislative Assembly and included H.E the Governor Stuart Jack, and his wife, Mariko, Minister of Health and Gender Affairs, Hon Anthony Eden, Minister of Education, Alden McLaughlin and BPW's President, Annie Multon.

Cayman's National Hero, Hon Sybil McLaughlin opened with a prayer and Rudy Myles performed the national song.

The pledge against domestic abuse was recited by Mrs Jack.

In giving her welcoming remarks, BPW's President Annie Moulton urged the general public to take heed of domestic abuse.

"Domestic violence is everybody's business," she said. "Let us ever be mindful of the need to educate and remind ourselves as well as others, that it is our duty to do whatever is necessary to ensure that this problem is eradicated."

She sent out a plea to make the Cayman Islands a healthier, happier and safer place for all, free from domestic violence.

Mrs Moulton also expressed her gratitude to the Young Business Professional Women's Club (YPBW) for organising the March and the general public for supporting it.

During his address, Mr Eden commended the BPW and YBPW for hosting this annual event. He also recognised the efforts of the Sexual Harassment and Stalking Task Force.

"I look forward to learning of the outcome of your surveys and assisting in the passing of the necessary legislation," he declared.

Mr Eden said that the silhouettes of red figures is a visual reminder of the women who have died as a result of this heinous crime and those who continue to be silent victims of domestic violence.

He announced that his Ministry has put in place various initiatives that are geared at promoting peace, healing and personal responsibility in adult relationships, which is the mission of the Silent Witness March.

The Minister also highlighted the efforts of his Ministry.

"Earlier this year, the Women Resource Centre facilitated a 15-week support group for victims of domestic abuse and there are plans to continue it," he said.

He stated that his Ministry continues to support the work of the Women's Crisis Centre, by purchasing services to provide temporary shelter to abused women and their children.

The Probation and Aftercare Department has been working with perpetrators of domestic abuse by facilitating a 26-week programme.

He urged continued collaboration between Government and non-governmental organisations, since it is the only way that the goal of raising awareness of the effects of domestic abuse can be achieved.

"The crime of domestic abuse knows no boundaries, it affects us all, either directly or indirectly," he added.

Director of the Department of Children and Family Services, Deanna Lookloy, who also addressed the function, said that the subject of domestic violence is never a pleasant one to discuss. She pointed out that it is however still prevalent in the Cayman Islands.

According to some statistics of domestic abuse outlined by Mrs Lookloy, there has been a fluctuation in the number of cases, over the years.

"In 2000 there were three cases, 2001-10, 2002-4, 2003-12, 2004-9, 2005-6 and so far this year-1 case," Mrs Lookloy disclosed.

She said that these figures represent women who have not only been subjected to physical abuse but also emotional and sexual abuse.

Her department is currently dealing with 32 cases, involving domestic violence.

In these cases, the Department provides counselling and financial aid to assist the victims to locate accommodation.

When children are involved the Department assists with school-related expenses such as lunches, uniforms or pre-school assistance.

Mrs Lookloy added that the Department of Children and Family Services works collaboratively with the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, which provides immediate shelter and counselling services to victims.
She revealed a rather surprising fact that there are also male victims.

"Our statistics on male victims are insignificant, but over the years we have seen a few," she said.

She stated that in 2000, representatives from the Department of Children and Family Services, the Police, the Department of Counselling Services, were trained in Jamaica, under a CAFRA initiative, which focused on domestic violence intervention. On their return home, these trainees were able to pass on their knowledge to other professionals who work directly with victims of domestic violence.

Mrs Lookloy said that her department remains committed to the cause of domestic violence and stands ready to assist where needs be.

The Silent Witness March is just one of the many activities undertaken by the Business Professional Women's Club to alleviate the Cayman society.