The territory has experienced a spike in criminal incidents involving persons with mental illness with a total of 15 reported cases over the last three weeks.
This is according to a July 10 media release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force which also urged family members of mentally ill patients or those showing signs of mental illness to seek the assistance at the first indication of unusual behaviour.
“Police attended 15 incidents in the last three weeks where either family members and neighbours were seriously injured, threatened or had to be rescued from a mental health patient. Household items were also destroyed. Most of the patients had to be taken by police to the Behavioural Ward at the Peebles Hospital,” the RVIPF stated.
“Among the 15 incidents recorded, two separate incidents involved persons coming to the Road Town Police Station. Both were incoherent and one was carrying an imitation firearm,” the release added.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool noted the need for family members to get assistance ahead of any crisis especially when an appointment with a mental health practitioner is missed.
“Stress levels in the Territory are high with the onset of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This can lead to more conflict with those suffering with chronic mental illness. It is important that caregivers are sensitive and responsive to these signs ahead of the crisis and get the necessary help,” the Acting Deputy noted.
Family members needing assistance or an initial mental health assessment can contact the Mental Health Unit at 852-7675 or the Psychosocial Hotline 541-2383.