Members of the community took to the streets of Montserrat on Saturday, 31 August, to take part in a protest against domestic abuse and violence.
The ‘End it Now’ march and motorcade was organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and is held annually as part of a global awareness campaign.
The rally began at the Salem Centre, stopped at Cudjoe Head for a community address and concluded at Lookout with singing, praying, and a featured address.
Speaking on ZJB Radio before the event, Pastor Nixon Louis said the Seventh-day Adventist Church is standing up against domestic violence, especially against women, children, and the vulnerable.
“Conflict takes place the most in the home, and a lot of those are not reported,” he said.
“And of course, we just want to let the community know, listen, you are not to be a victim. You know, you need to stand up and let people know that you can’t do those kind of things.
“And some of the domestic violence, you know, sexual abuse, incest, rape, verbal abuse, I mean, listen, we need to take a stand against those things, especially in the families.”
He said there are people who suffer in silence because they are afraid of being hurt, adding: “We, as a nation, we need to stand up against that.”
In a Facebook post after the event, Governor Sarah Tucker said: “Globally one in three women and one in seven men are victims of domestic violence, damaging their lives and that of their families.
“In Montserrat we must support and help those affected, we must #bethechange and end violence now.”
She thanked Commissioner of Police Mark Payne and the Royal Montserrat Police Service for supporting the event.
