On Saturday, April 6, the V.I. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) co-sponsored ‘A Getting Happy Hour’ with author and speaker Milagros Romero in her healing workshop and book launch of “The Muted Cage.”
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Milagros, who is a survivor of both child abuse and sexual violence, facilitated a workshop for attendees based on “The Muted Cage,” which explains her experiences with violence as a child into adulthood and how she overcame the trauma through forgiveness, healing, personal responsibility and empowerment.
The workshop included creative writing exercises, art and sharing of personal experiences amongst the participants — one of whom stated in response to the workshop: “many thanks for the blessing that was bestowed upon us.”
Davoelene Baetens-Trusty, DVSAC’s St. John Community Outreach specialist, in her response to Milagros and other survivors present said, “Thank you for lending a voice and giving your precious time to yourself and others. As we continue our walk-in life, please know that you all continue to be a part of something better than this ugly thing that infects our lives, communities, homes and hearts.”
In addition to the event hosted on St. Croix, a duplicate event was hosted on St. John on Sunday, March 31, in honor of Women’s History Month and to kick off April’s awareness activities.
Many thanks are extended to the attendees for their courage in ‘showing up’ and much gratitude is extended to the St. John Foundation for co-hosting this event on St. John. To schedule an event on St. John or to collaborate with DVSAC, please email davoelene@vidvsac.net.
For more information on Milagros Romero or to purchase a copy of “The Muted Cage,” email millymiracles77@aol.com.
About DVSAC: The VI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC) was formed by founding members on each island of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John in 1997 to address oppression and systems advocacy. In 2013, DVSAC became an independent organization and is recognized as the State/Territorial Coalition by the National Office on Violence Against Women and the Department of Health and Human Services.
DVSAC aims to promote healthy relationships within our community by coordinating education and awareness resources that advocate for the elimination of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence in the USVI territory to end domestic violence and sexual assault through prevention education.
About Milagros Romero – Author and Workshop Facilitator: Milagros Romero is a passionate woman and a community activist, whose drive has always been writing to heal, even from very early in life. She has dedicated her life to helping children, youth and women to empower themselves to live their best life possible.
“In spite of the hardship, affliction and all the scars left behind…I am still here, making a difference and living my best life. I won!” — Milagros ‘LotusBeYouTy’ Romero