CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Police Department is pleading with the local community to live and let live … and resist the impulse to domestic violence now that families are forced to be together.
The VIPD said it “has noticed an increase in the number of calls for service for domestic violence as Virgin Islanders stay at home, heeding Governor Albert Bryan, Jr.’s orders to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the territory.”
St. Thomas/St. John Chief of Police Ludrick Thomas and St. Croix Police Chief Sidney Elskoe appealed to residents to use alternate methods of conflict resolution between family members.
The VIPD is appealing to the community to take this time to engage in worthwhile family activities that would promote long-lasting family positive memories.
“Domestic violence is not conducive to family growth and development,” Chief Thomas said. “While tempers tend to flare during these disasters, families must find ways to amicably resolve disputes.”
Chief Elskoe agreed.
“In a conflict, if it is possible, one family member should leave the home to allow the situation to cool down,” Elskoe said. “Remember, there is no excuse for Domestic Violence.”
For more information on conflict resolution and domestic violence, contact the Family Resource Center in St. Thomas at (340) 776-3966 or the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix at (340) 773-9272.