WRC Holds Inaugural Purple Thursday Gala
The Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] held their inaugural Purple Thursday Gala on October 17 at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.
A spokesperson said, “On Thursday, October 17, the Women’s Resource Centre held its inaugural Purple Thursday Gala at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, elevating awareness and advocacy for domestic abuse survivors.
“Purple Thursday, recognised globally as a day to show support for survivors of domestic abuse, was marked with a luxurious purple-themed gala, an event which brought the community together to honour victims, raise critical funds, and further the cause of ending domestic abuse in Bermuda.
“Hosted by Nadanja Bailey, a member of the WRC’s Board of Directors, the event welcomed 130 attendees, including Rena Lalgie, Governor of Bermuda; Kim Wilkerson, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors; and prominent community advocates Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns of the Bermuda Police Service, Tammy Richardson-Augustus, Sherrie Lynn Lilley, and Laurie Shiell, Executive Director of the Centre Against Abuse.
“Several medical professionals and union leaders were also in attendance, showing the depth of community support for this critical issue.
“The funds raised from the event will go directly to WRC’s Hardship Fund, which provides practical support to survivors of domestic abuse, including therapeutic, legal, and financial assistance as they rebuild their lives.”
Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of WRC, said, “Our goal at the Women’s Resource Centre is to change the way we show up for survivors of abuse. We are committed to ensuring that comprehensive support services are in place to provide ongoing therapeutic, legal, and practical assistance to help women regain control of their lives. Every penny raised from this event will directly impact women who have experienced abuse, helping them find safety and stability.”
The spokesperson said, “A solemn moment of the evening was marked by the presence of an empty chair, serving as a poignant reminder of the women whose lives have been tragically lost to domestic abuse. This symbolic gesture honoured their memory and underscored the importance of continuing our work to prevent further loss to this insidious crime.
“The evening featured a powerful and educational presentation by keynote speaker Tawana Tannock, former Chair of the Human Rights Commission and domestic abuse advocate. Ms. Tannock’s speech highlighted the tragic murder of Anna Skeeters in Bermuda in 1878, and how the people of Sandys Parish came together to search for her body.
“Drawing parallels with the 2020 murder of Chavelle Dillon-Burgess, Ms. Tannock underscored the lasting community responsibility in fighting domestic abuse. She noted that the Skeeters murder played a significant role in the formation of the Bermuda Police Service and called for collective community action to address domestic abuse, stressing that it remains a problem for all of us to solve together.
“Ms. Tannock also recommended amendments to Bermuda’s domestic abuse legislation to include forms of abuse such as coercive control, mental, and emotional abuse. She emphasised that broadening the legal definitions of domestic abuse is essential for offering better protection and support to survivors and ensuring that all forms of abuse are properly recognised and addressed.
“The Women’s Resource Centre is deeply grateful for the support of the evening’s sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible, including Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, BELCO, Martello Re, Everen Specialty, and Willis Towers Watson [WTW].
Ms. Crockwell said, “We are incredibly thankful to our sponsors and the wider community for standing with us and showing up for this important cause. This was the first of what we hope will be many annual events, and we are already planning for next year’s gala.
“The generosity and support shown by everyone involved will have a direct impact on the lives of women affected by domestic abuse in Bermuda.”
The spokesperson said, “As Domestic Abuse Awareness Month continues throughout October, we encourage anyone interested in supporting this vital cause to consider donating to the WRC Hardship Fund. Your donations will go directly towards helping survivors of abuse access the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.
“For more information about the Women’s Resource Centre and its services, or to donate to the Hardship Fund, please visit wrcbermuda.com.”
