The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force logged 266 domestic-related offences in the opening eight months of 2026, figures released by Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent O. Wheatley during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The count sits marginally above the 265 cases recorded during the same window in 2025. Police also documented 319 serious and minor assaults across the territory from January through August 2026, with domestic circumstances accounting for 146 of those incidents, or 46 per cent.
Wheatley stressed that the police tally captures only reported cases. "These figures represent reports made to the police, and we also recognise that not every incident of domestic violence is reported," he said in a statement.
The minister emphasised that tackling the problem requires more than public education. "Our response therefore cannot be limited to awareness. It must combine prevention, protection, intervention, accountability and effective support for survivors," Wheatley said.
Government is currently reviewing the Domestic Violence Act, 2011, with stakeholder consultations underway. The Partnership for Peace programme, which engages individuals who have perpetrated violence, completed its 23rd cycle in June 2026 through collaboration between the Office of Gender Affairs and the Magistracy.
Wheatley called on communities to confront the attitudes and behaviours that enable abuse to persist, and to prioritise teaching young people about respect and conflict resolution. The Ministry of Health and Social Development, Office of Gender Affairs, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Social Development Department, Family Support Network and Women In Need BVI are working together to strengthen prevention and coordination.
People in abusive situations are urged to contact the police, Social Development Department, Family Support Network, Women In Need BVI, the Office of Gender Affairs or another trusted service provider.
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