26/12/2025
Virgin Islands Closes Out Year with First-Ever Roundtable on Digital Violence Against Women and Girls
As the Virgin Islands approaches the close of the Christmas season and the end of the government and House of Assembly calendar year, a significant step was taken toward protecting women and girls in digital spaces.
The Governor’s Office, in collaboration with the Office of Gender Affairs, hosted the territory’s first-ever roundtable discussion on ending digital violence against women and girls at Government House on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
The initiative comes amid growing global concern over the rise of online abuse, including cyberstalking, harassment, image-based exploitation and other forms of digital violence that disproportionately affect women and girls.
Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, His Excellency David D. Archer Jr., said the issue demands urgent and collective action, noting that digital violence transcends borders and continues to evolve rapidly.
“Digital violence is not just a legal issue – it is a societal challenge,” the Acting Governor said. “As we close out the year, we must recommit to ensuring our laws remain fit-for-purpose, our communities are educated, and partnerships extend beyond government to protect women and girls.”
The roundtable aligned with this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign led by UN Women, which highlighted the growing threat of technology-enabled abuse worldwide.
Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mrs. Sheniah Armstrong-Jones, delivered welcome remarks, followed by a keynote address from Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote, a strong advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Detective Inspector Kendolph Bobb, Head of the Family and Juvenile Unit at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, outlined the current legal framework addressing digital crimes, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act and its 2019 amendments. He identified cyberbullying as the most common digital offence reported locally, alongside online grooming, cyber threats, blackmail and cases involving sexual exploitation material.
Participants discussed how legislation, public education and cross-sector collaboration can be strengthened to respond to emerging forms of digital violence.
Attendees included representatives from the Governor’s Office, the House of Assembly, the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Zonta Club of Tortola, WIN BVI and other advocacy groups.
Looking ahead to 2026, participants committed to quarterly coordination meetings, a review of existing legislation against reporting data, and broader engagement with key stakeholders, including schools, churches, health and mental health professionals, non-profit organisations, men’s groups and corporate partners.
Mrs. Armstrong-Jones described digital violence as both a public health and social protection issue, stressing the need for survivor-centred services and stronger policy responses.
“Digital violence is not confined to screens,” she said. “It has real and lasting consequences for mental health, physical safety and community wellbeing. Ending it requires collective responsibility.”
As the Virgin Islands reflects on 2025 and prepares for the New Year, the roundtable signalled a renewed commitment to safeguarding women and girls—online and offline—and ensuring that digital spaces remain safe, inclusive and empowering for all.
