Show Support For Domestic Abuse Legal Reform
On #PurpleThursday, October 17, the public is encouraged to wear purple “as a mark of solidarity with those who have / are experiencing domestic abuse and then share a photo on social media.”
A spokesperson said, “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month [DVAM] to highlight the social and public health crisis of domestic abuse, which adversely impacts individuals of any gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion.
“Domestic abuse is a pattern of verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, economic and/or physical abuse by which the perpetrator instills fear and establishes control over a victim’s life and circumstances [www.un.org].
“According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men will be victims of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
“Further children who witness abuse are victims in their own right. Abuse of children may result in toxic stress, which can change brain development and increase the risk for problems like posttraumatic stress disorder and learning, attention, and memory difficulties. Everyone benefits when our children have safe, stable nurturing relationships and environments.
“The 3rd Thursday of DVAM, known as ‘Purple Thursday’, is a global call to action.
“In 2023, advocate Tammy L Richardson Augustus JP, held the inaugural observation of #purplethursday by staging an “Empty Chair” at the Crow Lane roundabout and at City Hall. The exhibit was a sobering visual to honor and remember victims who lost their lives and to raise awareness of survivors who too often suffer unseen.
“Ms Richardson Augustus is again inviting the public to join the ‘#PurpleThursday’ campaign on Thursday, 17 October. Individuals are encouraged to wear an article of purple clothing as a mark of solidarity with those who have / are experiencing domestic abuse and then share a photo on social media.
“The ultimate aim is to galvanize community partners and policy makers in the drive for substantive legal reform including the enactment of coercive control laws to bring Bermuda in line with jurisdictions such as US, UK, Australia and Canada. Coercive control increases the lethality risk and hence is the most dangerous form of abuse.
“We must promote healthy relationships and take strong and decisive action against perpetrators. Only then will be prevent the long lasting effects of abuse on individuals, families and ultimately our community [cdc.gov.bm]
“Gratitude is extended to champions in the domestic abuse awareness space including Gemma Godfrey; Patrice Medeiros; Laurie Shiell of Centre Against Abuse, Kelly Hunt at the Coalition for Protection of Children; Sr Sandy DeSilva of the Family Centre; Juanae Crockwell of Women’s Resource Centre among others.
“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. 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.”
