Today, 25th November, is the international day for Elimination of Violence against Women, "white ribbon day", marked in the UK and many places around the world, including here in St Helena. This evening I joined a group of about 30 to walk from the bay at Jamestown to the Jamestown Community centre, wearing white ribbons and carrying candles. We gathered down at the bay, several women from the Salvation Army, the couple who run the 7th day Adventist church, some other expats, several family groups of 2 or 3 generations of Saints, social workers, Veronica and Nicola representing the police, and others including men and children.

We walked through the dark and largely deserted town centre, and once at the community centre, listened to Cilla McDaniel, Social services manager, talk about domestic violence and the specific problems and needs of the St Helenan community. She explained that traditionally in st Helena, domestic abuse is not discussed, and many would prefer to pretend it does not happen. Women live in denial, they find it hard to accept they are failing in their own homes, they are ashamed, and afraid of the repercussions of speaking out. Women feel tied to their circumstances because they fear disrupting their children. It can take a huge amount of abuse over many years before women finally speak out, if they ever do.

In St Helena until a decade ago domestic abuse cases were often ignored. A zero tolerance strategy has now been adopted, police have to respond and separate the perpetrator from the victim. Social services are working closely with health care agencies and the police to provide multi agency risk assessments in abuse cases. Currently funding is being sought to provide a programme of rehabilitation and education for perpetrators, but there are still some gaps, which are traditionally (in the UK) filled by the voluntary sector. There is a need for a women's group, and as yet there is no place of refuge for abused women, although funding is being sought for a house in Half tree Hollow. Also, the women need a strong network of support, care, and encouragement to talk without fear of not being heard, or fear of repercussions.

Veronica Judd, a new Police officer who came over with us on the RMS, then talked about her experience of working within the Sexual Offences Unit at the Met. She reported some fascinating stats. On average a woman will be attacked 37 times before approaching the police. Every week in England and Wales, 2 women are killed in domestic violence incidents. Women are starting to have more confidence that they will be heard and the conviction rate is now at 72%. It can be very difficult to gather concrete evidence, mostly in domestic abuse cases the evidence is circumstantial.

Finally, Nicola Dukes, another friend who arrived with us on the RMS, talked about her experience as a crime Prevention officer in the UK, how she has worked with victims of domestic abuse to identify practical ways to protect them. She has encouraged women to attend a Pattern changing course, to help victims understand what domestic abuse is and make positive changes in their lives to help prevent it recurring, to increase their self esteem, and re-build their lives.

Afterwards, 6 of us- me, the two police Women, the Sally Army captain, the senior social worker, and the lady from the human Rights office talked about moving forward from here. We are going to have a proper strategy meeting soon, to talk about what support is needed. A women's group is high on the agenda, as well as building a support network for women. I love that 3 of us who all arrived on the same boat all have a passion for women's issues, and have different but complementary experience. I love that different Agencies and faith groups are so united with a sense of common purpose. I love that the very thing I was anticipating being involved with is happening within 10 days of arriving on the island. Exciting times!