(George Town, Grand Cayman) – The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC), a charity organisation that provides support and shelter to victims of domestic abuse, has launched a public awareness campaign to promote the shelter during the World Cup. Rotary Club of Grand Cayman has teamed up with the CICC with a donation of $1,000 to pay for the campaign.

The Crisis Centre has launched this campaign to remind women, men and children that a shelter and support is available should victims need a safe refuge.

In 2014 during the World Cup, the three bedroom, two bathroom shelter housed 25 individuals (13 women and 12 children), 17 of those seeking a safe house during the games.

Ania Milanowska, Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, said globally there is a correlation between the World Cup and an increase in domestic violence cases. “Based on our statistics from the 2014 World Cup, this increase in domestic violence cases also happened in Cayman,” she said.

Justin Bodden, President of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman said his organisation was happy to help the CICC with the funding of the campaign. “The Crisis Centre provides such an important resource to the Cayman Islands community and we are grateful for the opportunity to support this cause,” Mr Bodden said.

“It is unfortunate that the domestic violence cases increase during large sporting events such as the World Cup and we hope spreading the word about the shelter will remind victims and the general community their services are available,” he said.

“The CICC is thankful for this donation from the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman as these funds help us to inform the local community about the service and support we offer,” Ms Milanowska said. “We truly hope that domestic violence cases will be down this year.”

For more information about the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre visit www.cicc.ky. The 24 hour crisis line is always available at 943-CICC (2422).

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Photo caption – Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’ President, Justin Bodden, presents campaign donation cheque to CICC Board Member, Brooke Moore.

ABOUT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS CRISIS CENTRE
The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre provides shelter for victims of domestic abuse, and their children. Our vision is to close our doors forever because our services are no longer needed. Until such time, we continue to provide support, counselling and refuge for families of domestic violence, and advocate for these voiceless victims. The CICC provides a 24-hour toll free crisis line and an ongoing support and counseling programmes. Estella’s Place, the organisation’s public facing office located in Crown Square on Eastern Avenue is open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. For more information visit: www.cicc.ky