Crime

Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Council Issues Statement Following Brutal Beating Of Female By Then-Boyfriend

ST. CROIX -- Following the permitted publishing of pictures showing the wounds of a female victim who had been savagely beaten by her boyfriend at the time, Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) Executive Director, Khnuma Simmonds-Esannason, issued a statement on Friday praising the victim, Carrel McBean, for the courage to come forward with the photos. "To Carrel: The women and partners of DVSAC commend you for your courage in sharing these photos. We do not take it for granted that you are in a vulnerable place yet you are utilizing your experience to share truth about domestic violence, but also encourage accountability by putting a face to your said," Mrs. Simmonds-Esannason wrote. "With that, we also want you to know that despite the comments that people will make and the judgments that they will cast - this is not your fault and help is available through the Women's Coalition of St. Croix at (340) 773-9272." According to V.I.P.D. Public Informat...