Day Of Elimination Of Violence Against Women
“Today, November 25th, 2023, the Government stands in Solidarity with the UN International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. Ending violence against women and girls is not just a goal; it is imperative, and it is our collective responsibility to create a Bermuda where every woman and girl feels safe and valued,” said Minister of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors Tinee Furbert.
“This year’s theme is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” In alignment with this theme, the Government is combating domestic violence through proactive measures, including the implementation of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Model [MARAC]. The MARAC committee is working to develop a five-year domestic abuse strategy and is seeking to hire a Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer, a dedicated resource who will be based at the Centre Against Abuse to support clients.”
Minister Furbert added, “Since the inception of the MARAC model in April 2023, approximately three [3] dozen family matters have been identified as high risk. The MARAC Committee has diligently recommended safety plans for clients to case workers at the Department of Child & Family Services, the Centre Against Abuse, and Ageing and Disability Services, ensuring swift and comprehensive support.”
“Additionally, throughout this year, numerous domestic violence trainings have equipped our community stakeholders with the tools to address and prevent such incidents effectively. Bermuda also remains dedicated to international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW], extended to the island in 2017, reaffirming our commitment to fostering gender equality and justice.”
“Collaborative partnerships between the Government and key agencies like the Bermuda Police Service, Centre Against Abuse, Women’s Resource Center, and the One Love Foundation remain crucial in addressing and preventing violence. The Centre Against Abuse has been instrumental in supporting 126 female clients since November 2022, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing support and intervention for victims of violence.”
Minister Furbert concluded, “Together, we must stand against violence. Each of us has a role to play—be it supporting survivors, educating ourselves and others, promoting a culture of respect and understanding, or advocating for change and gender equality.”
Laurie Shiell, Executive Director at Centre Against Abuse, shared, “Now more than ever, it is time for all of us to take action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. It is up to this community to ensure that women and girls can walk along the streets safely at any time, enter relationships without being abused, and support them and not revictimize and traumatize them for being harmed. We as a society must stand up to and call out all forms of violence, inappropriate talk, predators, and laws that do not provide adequate justice to victims. When we support and save a woman and girl, we support and save a community.”
Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director at Women’s Resource Center, shared, “The Women’s Resource Centre is encouraged by the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors’ commitment to raising awareness on issues impacting women in Bermuda, specifically relating to violence against women in the form of education, support, and advocacy. In this regard, Bermuda is not another world, as women in this country face violence and abuse in many forms daily. We look forward to building on this relationship and together making a tangible difference in the community and the lives of women in Bermuda.”
Tammy Richardson-Augustus, a One Love Foundation Ambassador, shared, “The UN International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women holds us all to account in reducing the scourge of abuse that adversely impacts our homes, workplaces, and virtual environments. Minister Tinee Furbert JP MP understands the urgent need for awareness and robust prevention education and has been tenacious in bringing these matters into our collective conscience.”
