The Family Movie Night hosted by the Social Development Department has been called a success.

Dozens of families turned out for on Friday, April 7 to be a part of the event organised to raise funds for families in need as part of this year’s Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month (CAPM) activities.

Head of Family, Children and Protective Services, Ms. Laurel Freeman expressed gratitude to all families who attended, stating that a substantial amount of proceeds were raised and that the department is eager to render assistance to those in need.

The movie premiered was Matilda, a super-smart little girl who’s woefully misunderstood by her parents, her brother and an evil school principal. But with the help of a brave best friend and a wonderful teacher, Matilda discovers she doesn’t have to get mad to get even. 

Proceeds were also raised from an assortment of refreshments sold. Feedback at the event was positive with attendees requesting that similar events be planned to garner more support and awareness on social topics such as child protection.

Ms. Freeman said the department looks forward to fulfilling the requests made by the community as they continue to fulfil their mandate in creating sustainable and healthy family relationships and environments through the best social work practices. She alluded to the strengthening of the partnerships with schools to get more input directly from parents and faculty who are in direct contact with children.

The community is also invited to participate in the upcoming Wear Blue Day On Friday April 27. Persons are encouraged to wear blue or custom ‘pinwheel tees’ in a national demonstration against child abuse.

Persons or groups interested in the upcoming Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness activities are asked to contact the Social Development Department at 468-3650.

Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month is an annual observance in the Virgin Islands used to raise awareness of child abuse and to provide support to the survivors in an effort to be more proactive in prevention methods.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates the recovery of human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Photo Captions 

Caption 1 of 3: The audience is pictured watching the movie attentively for the Family Movie Night hosted by the Social Development Department in observance of the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. (Photo Credit: Franklyn Skerrit/GIS)

Caption 2 of 3: Pictured is the staff of the Family, Children and Protective Services Unit under the Social Development Department who hosted the event. (Photo Credit: Franklyn Skerrit/GIS)

Caption 3 of 3: Pictured is the Social Development staff preparing refreshments and paraphernalia for the Family Movie Night. (Photo Credit: Franklyn Skerrit/GIS)