The Men’s Coalition of the Virgin Islands, a nonprofit that counsels domestic violence offenders, is facing a funding crisis that has forced it to scale back services and refer clients back to courts.
“We had to refer some people back to the court, around twelve individuals … because of the lack of funding to be able to pay the training facilitator and also a court liaison,” said Abdul Ali, secretary of the Men’s Coalition of the Virgin Islands.
The MCVI runs a six-month program for people who have committed acts of domestic violence. Most are referred by the courts, but some come voluntarily. The program focuses on helping people change their behavior by teaching awareness, respect, and shared responsibility.
“Three months for the actual training in terms of equality as opposed to power and control. And then the other three months you do a check-in, you come once a week,” Ali said. “If we use the power and control angle, that’s where domestic violence is very likely to come in.”
Since 1992, the MCVI has served more than 400 people. According to the MCVI, fewer than 10% of people served have returned or been mandated additional training — a stat that shows the program has benefits.
“We’re very, very pleased with the recidivism rate,” Ali said. “Some of them might still be doing things, but it’s not reaching court. Some have modified their behavior to the extent that they’re now in better control as far as domestic violence is concerned.”
According to Ali, the MCVI also runs anger management programs and a Saturday morning group for boys ages 12 to 14. That youth program, which focused on leadership, stress management, and behavioral skills, was also put on hold due to a lack of funds.
“We have to make absolutely sure that we are investing in the youth,” Ali said. “The people who are providing the training are not doing that on a free-for-all basis.”
The MCVI missed the deadline to apply for a grant from the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, which funds services through reimbursement.
The MCVI also receives support from Human Services and collects fees from clients, but those sources aren’t reliable. Many clients are unemployed or can only pay part of the $300 service fee.
“With the LEPC and Human Services … you don’t get the money up front, so therefore you have to offer the services, send them the receipts and so forth, and then it goes through a system sometimes, which could take long … that is not a hundred percent reliable.”
“We don’t turn people away,” Ali said. “We’re always struggling to keep things moving.”
Right now, the MCVI has only $7,000 of its $60,000 annual budget. It plans to apply for new grants in September and is reaching out to the Legislature, local businesses, and community members for help.
“We need help to get the word out … domestic violence is something that affects all of our lives in one way or the other,” Ali said.
The MCVI is also looking into training new facilitators — both men and women — and restarting its youth programs. Ali hopes to raise awareness through radio, media, and organize fundraising events.
He also pointed to the Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2022, which establishes a council to promote paternal involvement and strengthen families through community-based support. Though not directly tied to the MCVI, Ali said it’s worth watching for its potential to complement the group’s mission.
Ali says the issue of domestic violence goes beyond funding — it’s about mindset and community responsibility.
“We need to ask ourselves, why do I behave this way? Where did I learn this?” Ali said. “If we can reshape our minds, we can get better control of it.”
Ali said the Men’s Coalition needs help from the community, whether through government, private business, donations, or volunteering.
“We’re committed to carrying on,” Ali said. “We can’t just give up just because there is a lack of funding.”
To learn more or offer support, contact the Men’s Coalition of the Virgin Islands at 340-332-1835.
