Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow citizens on the mainland, and in our nation’s capital in particular. Yesterday’s unprecedented assault was an attack on the democratic process, our chosen leaders and the nation. We too feel shock and distress over the actions of the domestic terrorists who stormed our Congressional chambers, endangering the lives of our Congresspeople, their staff members, law enforcement officers and the city. We call for immediate action to ensure the safety of all the people of the United States, and for due process to hold those who committed the violence, along with the outgoing President and all those who joined him in inciting those horrible acts, accountable.

We are beginning a new phase, with newly elected leaders, as a country and as individuals. The safety of our citizens and the leaders entrusted with our governance must be prioritized. We stand with members of Congress who upheld their constitutional responsibility and voted to certify the Electoral College tallies that resulted from free, fair and legal elections in the states. Peace and justice must be encouraged, and actions taken to ensure that the law is upheld, with equity in law enforcement’s responses to and treatment of lawbreakers.  

The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s mission is to support and empower people impacted by violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing trauma as a result of the events that occurred yesterday in Washington, D.C. and would like to speak with one of our counselors, please call our main office/crisis center at 340.773.9272.  

Session three, Identifying Historical To Current Racism in the U.S. Virgin Islands, will be held on January 15, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Visit our event page for more information. Click here to register. Certificates will be available to those who complete all four sessions and community service hours are available for students. Call our main office/crisis center or complete our contact form for more information.

New year, new beginnings! This means new opportunities to heal and thrive. Remember everything begins with one step, when you are ready. We are here to help, when you need us.  Call our main office/crisis center to get information on the services we offer–free of charge, or to make an appointment with a counselor: 340.773.9272.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM). This serious crime has been described as as the willful and repeated following, watching or harassing of another person over a period of time. It can be used by perpetrators of other crimes, including domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, call 911 in an emergency. For information on safety planning or counseling, call our main office/crisis center to speak with a counselor.

January is also Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. And yes, it is happening in our community. Learn to recognize the signs. Visit the Blue Campaign’s website for more information. Support survivors on #WearBlueDay – January 11.

Racism here in the USVI? Yes. Racism affects us and people all over the world, systemically–through unfair laws and practices, and through internalized and generational trauma. Getting to realistic and achievable solutions is possible. It will take all of us, having open, truthful conversations and creating and acting on realistic solutions, to end racism in our communities. 

WCSC’s history of action against oppression and violence has always included anti-racism in the USVI. The tradition continues with, The Time Is Now: Discuss, Digest & Dismantle Racism in the USVI. This virtual forum offers a safe space for action-oriented sharing and learning. If you register for one session, you are registered for the whole four-part forum, and will receive resources and updated information before and after each session.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, including safety planning and crisis counseling, please call our main office/crisis center at 340.773.9272. We are here for you, with advocacy, programs and services at no cost to you, including 24-hour crisis intervention and more.