The 26th annual Silent Witness March will take place in George Town on Thursday, 15 October, calling for continued support for survivors of domestic violence.
Organised by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Grand Cayman (BPW Cayman), the march will begin at 3pm on the lawn of the Government Administration Building and conclude at Constitution Hall.
This year’s theme, ‘With survivors, always’, highlights the need to support survivors beyond the annual event and ensure they are heard, believed and supported throughout their recovery.
The march takes place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and coincides with the global day for action against domestic abuse, also known as Purple Thursday.
“For 26 years, we have walked in silence for those who can no longer speak,” Cheryl Myles of BPW Grand Cayman said in a press release.
“This year, we are also making a promise to the survivors who are still with us – we see you, we believe you and we are with you, always.”
She said support must be reflected in how people listen and respond to survivors throughout the year, rather than just during the October event.
First organised by BPW Cayman in 2000, the march has grown from a small tribute into a community event involving individuals, families, schools, businesses and government agencies.
The route will pass the former George Town Police Station, the Cayman Islands Courts and the House of Parliament before ending at Constitution Hall.
BPW Cayman said the route represents the shared responsibility of law enforcement, the judiciary and government to protect survivors and promote safety.
Minister for social development and innovation Isaac Rankine said the government stands firmly with survivors of domestic abuse and remains committed to ensuring they receive appropriate services and protection.
“Walking past our police station, our courts, and our parliament is a fitting reminder that every institution has a duty to protect those at risk and to support those rebuilding their lives,” he said.
Karlene Bramwell, senior policy adviser for gender, diversity and equality, said the campaign #Every1KnowsSome1, reflects the fact that domestic abuse affects people across the community, whether others are aware of it or not.
Supporting survivors means knowing where to direct people for help, responding without judgement and creating safe environments in homes, schools and workplaces, she said.
The march is organised in partnership with the government’s Gender Affairs Unit and Department of Counselling Services, and the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.
Businesses, schools and organisations are encouraged to wear purple in support of the campaign and hold dress-down days to raise funds for the Crisis Centre.
Those wishing to organise a dress-down day or seeking further information can contact bpwgcm@gmail.com
A short ceremony featuring reflections from community leaders, advocates and survivors, followed by refreshments, will take place at Constitution Hall after the march.
