‘Purple Thursday’ Domestic Abuse Campaign
Tammy L Richardson-Augustus has been on a mission to “reduce the stigma and change the daunting statistics on domestic abuse,” and the inaugural observation of #PurpleThursday during Domestic Violence Awareness month [DVAM] was another meaningful step forward.
Photos by Tristan Narraway
To mark #PurpleThursday, Ms. Richardson-Augustus encouraged the public to wear purple as a symbol of solidarity for victims/survivors and their families. She also staged ‘The Empty Chair’ activation campaign to “highlight the silent crisis of abuse this country faces.”
“The Empty Chair at Crow Lane Roundabout and at City Hall was a sobering visual of the lethality of abuse and the lasting void that loved ones endure. It was a clarion call to the community – designed to inform the community of the prominence, signs and inherent dangers of domestic abuse, to bring awareness to the lifesaving resources available,” said Ms. Richardson-Augustus, “to inspire real policy change.”
“Domestic abuse is not just a human rights issue. Abuse is a prevalent public health issue. It leads to far-reaching societal consequences, including death, acute injuries, homelessness, drug addiction, mental health issues, suicide ideation, school/work absenteeism. The trauma of abuse impacting not only the adult victim but also children of the family who witness or experience the abuse.”
“While the Empty Chair is a poignant symbol of grief, honor, and remembrance, it also represents the staggering number of victim/survivors who suffer in isolation, feel invisible and aren’t receiving the support they so desperately need,” said campaigner Ms. Richardson-Augustus.
“We must bring issues of domestic abuse out of the shadows and light the way toward healthier families. We must build momentum and find more ways to engage.”
The spokesperson said, “Ms. Richardson-Augustus, who understands the vital importance of fostering a coalition among the island’s support services, used the occasion to highlight the steadfast efforts of anti-abuse champions: The Hon. Tinee Furbert JP, MP, Junior Minister Lindsay Simmons JP, Patrice Medeiros Domestic Violence Officer of The Bermuda Police Service, Laurie Shiell of Centre Against Abuse, Stephany Outerbridge at the Coalition for the Protection of Children, Dr. Sandy DeSilva of The Family Centre, and Juanae Crockwell of Women’s Resource Centre, among others.”
“While DVAM may have come to an end, their abuse prevention education and counseling work continues,” remarked Ms. Richardson-Augustus. Ms. Richardson encouraged the public to donate to the noted charities, learn the warning signs of abuse and/or understand how to bolster the confidence of victims/survivors.
The spokesperson said, “Ms. Richardson-Augustus expressed gratitude to The Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE [Mil], ED, JP, MP., The Corporation of Hamilton and Exclusive Events Bermuda for their support of the inaugural Empty Chair exhibit. Retailers Orange Bay Company and Brown & Co. marked DVAM with a pop of purple in their window displays as a show of commitment to promoting healthier relationships. #PurpleThursday events will be held annually to shed light on the devastating effects of abuse [including on any child witnesses].
“If you are suffering from domestic abuse, it’s important to safely seek help. The Centre Against Abuse provides support services to adult survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault, including counseling, a 24-hour hotline 292-4366, legal advocacy, safe housing alternatives, crisis intervention, along with awareness and education on these topics to the community.
“Call The Women’s Resource Centre at 295-3882 for counseling, education, support, and referrals. If your child or teen is suffering because of past or current domestic abuse in the home or family, please contact Family Centre at 232-1116 for counseling support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.”
