SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Intimate partner violence (IPV) or domestic violence remains one of the most persistent yet under-addressed crises worldwide, with nearly one in three women experiencing physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime.
Caribbean data is equally alarming: nearly 40% of women across the region report violence at the hands of an intimate partner. St. Maarten is no exception, as local and regional data confirm that women and girls in our island community are disproportionately affected, with consequences that ripple through families, churches, workplaces, and society.
Children exposed to violence at home face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges, while adult survivors struggle with chronic health conditions, economic instability, and broken trust.
Too often, victims suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, and cultural norms, while pastors, counsellors, and community leaders stand on the front lines without sufficient training to respond safely.
Victorious Living Foundation’s (VLF) BA/MA Counselling Degree Program, offered through the Grace Hill Bible University (GHBU) St. Maarten Campus, ends every semester with a student-led masterclass, grounded in the principle that we learn best by teaching others.
This semester’s course, “Couples Counselling: New Insights Into Ending Abusive Relationships,” concludes with a free public masterclass of the same name on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7:30 P.M. via Zoom.
The two-hour session gives counsellors, pastors, educators, advocates, and community members practical, evidence-based tools to recognise how intimate partner violence (IPV) affects children and adults—and to move from silence to safe, compassionate support.
The masterclass will explore five essential areas:
- How children are affected by IPV and the lasting impact on their development.
- How adult relationships are affected, including patterns of control, shame, and isolation.
- IPV interventions and practical tools for supporting survivors and engaging perpetrators.
- The current role of the church in responding to IPV, including common gaps.
- How churches and ministries can strengthen healing and create safer communities.
“This masterclass is about breaking the silence and equipping our community with the insight and tools needed to end abusive relationships,” said Dr. Nicole E. Francis Cotton, founder of Victorious Living Foundation and developer of the GHBU Counselling Degree Program, St. Maarten campus.
“As Caribbean people, we cherish our families and our faith, yet too many are suffering behind closed doors. When counsellors, pastors, educators, and believers learn together, we can transform homes from places of fear into spaces of safety, honour, and love.”
The event reflects VLF’s ongoing mission to empower, enlighten, reconcile, and transform the lives of youth, families, couples, and leaders, and to help the Church and community respond to crises such as domestic violence.
The masterclass also showcases GHBU students' learning outcomes while offering tangible service to the broader community.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026, | Time: 7:30 P.M. (AST) | Location: Online via Zoom | Cost: Free
Registration: Required — reserve your spot at tinyurl.com/EndingAbusiveRelationships
Community members, churches, counselling professionals, and educators are encouraged to attend and share the registration link widely. Media outlets are invited to cover the event and help amplify the message that intimate partner violence is neither acceptable nor inevitable—and that healing is possible when we learn, support, and transform together.
Ahead of the masterclass, students will share more on two local broadcasts: Fernando Clark’s midday show on SOS 95.9 FM on Friday, June 26, from 12–1 P.M. (liveonlineradio.net/sos-radio-95-9), and Love & Inspiration with Roy Cotton, Jr. on Sunday, June 28, from 3–5 P.M. on PJD2 Radio (pjd2radiosxm.com).
About Victorious Living Foundation
Victorious Living Foundation is a Sint Maarten–based non-profit dedicated to empowering, enlightening, reconciling, and transforming the lives of youth, families, couples, churches, and leaders through counselling, coaching, training, and community partnerships.
Its BA/MA Counselling Degree Program, offered through the GHBU St. Maarten Campus, equips students and practitioners to serve individuals, families, and communities with excellence and compassion.
