23. Enriching Island Communities with Domestic Abuse Resources
Ana Jimenez, Case Manager and Advocate with Family Resource Center in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, discusses the growth of domestic abuse resources throughout the island communities and how resources are provided for victims and survivors of abuse. The center, serving St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water Islands, has been operational for nearly 40 years. It provides shelter, counseling and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking and elder abuse. The center also addresses financial abuse, a critical issue often overlooked. Ana explains how Family Resource Center raises awareness as well as critical funds to support Virgin Island communities in preventing domestic abuse as well as providing urgent resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Ana emphasizes the importance of community education and support for all of Virgin Island's many communities.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Ana shares that she is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and provides a brief overview of the islands, including St. Croix and St. John.
Ana discusses her transition from law enforcement to counseling, including her education at University of Virgin Islands and Liberty University.
Ana explains her envolvement with the Family Resource Center, which started as a vision to protect women and children.
She highlights the center's services, including counseling, shelter and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking, elder abuse and various violent crimes.
Ana explains the center's efforts to educate the community through outreach specialists who speak at schools, churches and businesses.
She elaborates on the concept of financial abuse as a form of domestic violence, emphasizing that it often goes unrecognized.
Ana provides details about the center's shelter services, which are available to women and children.
She highlights the need for food drives, fundraising events, and other community support to sustain the center's services.
Ana explains the center's involvement in various fundraising events, including Pets with Wings, and the importance of these events in raising awareness and funds for the center's operations.
Ana highlights the Peacemaker Gala, a formal event with a focus on domestic violence awareness.
She describes the center's involvement in conducting workshops to train police recruits and workplaces employees.
Ana provides advise for victims who have not taken their first step to leave an abusive relationship, and offers her final thoughts on how survivors of abuse can look forward to a bright and hopeful future.
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