PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Domestic violence awareness month 2020 is here. Domestic violence was already an epidemic before COVID-19, but the health crisis has caused an alarming spike in incidents of abuse. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone regardless of race, religion, culture or social status. It’s not just hitting but also stalking, threats, manipulation, shouting etc. With the sole purpose of one person in an intimate relationship or marriage gaining and maintaining control over the other.
Both men and women suffer from domestic abuse, but women are more often victimized. Women’s Desk is one of the support services available to victims of domestic violence on St. Maarten. It is a division within the department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour.
Women’s Desk continues to work towards enhancing the well-being of women in the community of St. Maarten and by extension their families by offering counseling, referrals, case management, dissemination of information and programs.
No matter the situation, abusive behavior is never acceptable. Don’t stay silent. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please contact the Women’s Desk at (721) 520-6291 or womensdesk@sintmaartengov.org
