Domestic Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month
This month, the Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] is focused on raising awareness of domestic abuse and educating the public about its various forms, including verbal, mental, emotional, financial, digital, and sexual abuse.
A spokesperson said, “October 1st marks the beginning of Domestic Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, a time to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic abuse and to remember those we have lost to this often-silent epidemic. The Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] is using this month to raise awareness of domestic abuse and educate the public on its many forms—extending beyond physical violence to include verbal, mental, emotional, financial, digital, and sexual abuse.
“In Bermuda, domestic abuse continues to be a pressing issue. Between January and August of this year alone, the WRC responded to 44 domestic abuse-related inquiries, indicating that more women are reporting their abuse and seeking support.
“The SafeLives Bermuda: Public Health Approach Report underscores the severity of the issue. Over 3,000 women in Bermuda experience abuse annually, and over 7,000 women have or will face domestic abuse in their lifetime. This staggering number represents 27% of Bermuda’s female population—an issue that demands immediate attention and action.”
However, the WRC recognizes that awareness must be paired with increased access to critical resources for victims. Executive Director Juanae Crockwell states, “It is essential that when a woman seeks support, she is met with the appropriate resources to ensure her safety and wellbeing post-crisis. This ranges from emergency safe housing and legal advice to ongoing therapeutic intervention and financial support.”
“At the Women’s Resource Centre, we believe that raising awareness of domestic abuse must be accompanied by increased access to support.” Ms. Crockwell explained.
The spokesperson said, “In addition to access to robust support, the WRC continues to advocate for improved domestic abuse legislation in Bermuda, specifically the inclusion of non-physical forms of abuse in the legal framework. ‘Abuse takes many forms, and it is vital that our laws reflect that reality. We are committed to advocating for legislation that protects all forms of abuse and support structures that ensure every woman in Bermuda has the resources she needs to be safe and thrive.’
“Throughout Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, the WRC is hosting several community events aimed at raising awareness, educating the public, and providing support:
- Domestic Abuse Protection Order Legal Workshop [October 3rd]: Facilitated by Kathy Burgess of Burgess Family Law Practice.
- Relationship Radar: Spotting Red & Green Flags [October 12th]: A workshop facilitated by Sherri-Lynn Lilley, Owner of Pneuma Counselling & Consulting, to help participants recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
- Purple Thursday [October 17th]: A public observance day where survivors and supporters are invited to wear purple to raise awareness. It is also a day to encourage donations to non-profit organizations that support victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
- First Annual Purple Thursday Gala [October 17th]: A luxury, purple-themed fundraising gala to support survivors of abuse and the WRC’s 2024 Hardship Fund.
- Healing through Mindfulness Wellness Event [October 26th]: Featuring international meditation coach and motivational speaker Shera Hill [@themeditationchic], this event will provide women with tools to heal from trauma through mindfulness practices.
“For more information on these events or to learn more about how you can support the Women’s Resource Centre’s work during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, visit www.wrcbermuda.com, follow us on social media, or contact us at 295-3882.”
