The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

COMMUNITY advocate Shavonne Munnings is pushing to turn 21 years of grief into a refuge for battered women and children, renewing her call for support to establish Tiffany’s Haven in memory of her sister, Tiffany Smith, who was murdered by her spouse.

Smith was 30 and a mother of four when she was stabbed 26 times on May 24, 2005.

For more than two decades, Ms Munnings has marked her sister’s death with candlelight vigils, domestic violence conferences and community outreach events, insisting the killing should drive action, not silence.

This year’s observance was held at First Holiness Church of God, where survivors, advocates, religious leaders and community members gathered for an evening of remembrance, awareness and encouragement. After the programme, attendees were served hot meals and refreshments, while children played on a bouncing castle.

Ms Munnings said the proposed facility would serve as a restoration centre for battered women and their children who need refuge from abuse.

“Sometimes we can leave the relationship, but there’s nowhere for us to go,” she said. “That’s why Tiffany’s Haven is so important. It will be a place where women can come with their children for healing and restoration.”

Ms Munnings said she already has a structure in mind for the facility, but needs support to make it a reality.

“I’m praying that God sends destiny helpers — people who believe in making a difference,” she said. “Together, we can restore women and children.”

Recalling the day her sister was killed, Ms Munnings said she received a message shortly before 3pm telling her to go to the hospital.

“Shortly before 3pm, I got a message to go to the hospital,” she said. “I didn’t know what to think. When I got there, I learned that my sister had been murdered.”

“At first, I heard the ambulance siren and I thought, ‘They don’t use sirens for the dead,’ so I had hope,” Ms Munnings recalled. “But when I got there, it was silent. That’s when I learned it was my sister.”

She said the annual event is not only about remembrance, but about warning women that abuse can be fatal.

“Today marks 21 years since I lost my sister to abuse,” she said. “Instead of becoming bitter, I chose to become better — to enlighten and encourage others that domestic violence is real, and you can die as a result.”

Her appeal comes as domestic violence remains a serious concern in The Bahamas. Police statistics show reported domestic violence cases declined by 29 percent, from 2,630 domestic-related incidents in 2024 to 1,859 in 2025. However, advocates warn the figures may not capture the full crisis because many victims remain silent.

Ms Munnings, who has also experienced domestic violence, said Tiffany’s Haven would not only help women escape abuse, but also help children recover from violence in the home.

“Better children become better adults,” she said. “If we can restore them while their minds can still be transformed, we’ll have fewer people in jail, fewer in the grave, and a greater future for our families.”

Domestic violence advocate Hilvana Cash praised Ms Munnings for consistently keeping the issue before the public.

“She has been consistent for years in bringing awareness to this issue,” Ms Cash said. “Domestic violence doesn’t only affect those directly involved — it affects children, families, co-workers and entire communities.”

Religious minister Janet Gray, of First Holiness Church of God, also commended Ms Munnings’ work.

“Every year she comes here, she has my full support,” Gray said. “Domestic violence is a terrible thing, and too many women suffer in silence. They need to come forward so they can get help.”

Ms Munnings said her sister’s memory continues to drive her advocacy.

“If I can save just one woman, one year at a time, then Tiffany’s death is not in vain,” she said.