Former Virgin Islands senator and congressional candidate Janelle Sarauw has broken her silence following a Florida court’s decision to deny a petition seeking a final domestic violence injunction against her, saying the matter has run its course and urging voters to refocus on issues affecting the territory.

In a statement released on June 6, Sarauw noted the attention the case has generated, stressing that domestic violence allegations should always be taken seriously.

“Domestic violence must always be taken seriously. It has no place in our homes, our families, our communities, or our politics,” she said.

Sarauw said transparency and accountability are essential in public life and thanked supporters for allowing the legal process to unfold.

On June 5, Broward County Circuit Court Judge Michael Kaplan denied a petition for a final injunction for protection against domestic violence filed by Zikeyraw Veretta Guishard following a two-day bench trial in Florida.

The Virgin Islands Consortium reported the court heard sharply conflicting accounts from both women regarding their past relationship, which Judge Kaplan described as dysfunctional and marked by intermittent acts of violence.

While the judge said he believed violence had occurred within the relationship, he ruled that the legal standard required for a final injunction had not been met. 

The court found insufficient evidence of a recent act of domestic violence or a reasonable fear of imminent violence at the time the petition was filed.

The judge also denied a related request alleging violations of a temporary injunction.

Judge Kaplan, while denying the petition, urged both parties to have no further contact and noted that any future interactions between them could create additional complications.

In her statement, Sarauw said the outcome now allows attention to shift back to the challenges facing the US Virgin Islands.

“The matter before the court has now been heard, and the judge denied the request for a final injunction. The time has come for us to realign our focus to the issues that are at risk of crippling current and future generations in our territory,” she said.

Sarauw argued that residents are more concerned about issues such as reliable electricity, water service, healthcare, economic opportunities and infrastructure than political controversy.

“Right now, our people are not asking for gossip. They are asking for reliable power. They are asking for consistent water,” she said.

The former senator is seeking the Democratic nomination for the US Virgin Islands‘ non-voting Delegate to Congress seat. 

The Democratic Party primary vote is set for August 1, 2026 with the Congressional Election set for November 3, 2026.

She said her campaign remains focused on federal advocacy, accountability and addressing long-standing challenges facing the territory.

“This campaign is bigger than rumors. It is bigger than political attacks. It is about whether the Virgin Islands will continue accepting the same failures or finally demand the change we deserve,” Sarauw said.