CAA’s 16 Days Of Activism Against Abuse
As Bermuda enters the festive period, Centre Against Abuse [CAA] is calling on the community to join us in marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Abuse, observed globally from November 25th [International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women] to December 10th [Human Rights Day].
A spokesperson said, “This annual campaign comes at a meaningful moment each year when families begin preparing for Christmas and the holiday season. While this is traditionally a time of joy, connection, and celebration, it is also a period when domestic abuse often increases due to heightened stress, financial pressure, and close-quarters family dynamics.
“This year, CAA is using the 16 Days of Activism as the official kick-off to a season focused on safety, compassion, and community responsibility.
“The Centre Against Abuse is a service supported by trained, qualified professionals who specialize in domestic abuse and sexual assault response. Our team brings years of experience in crisis intervention, counselling, court advocacy, safe housing coordination, and survivor support.
“Every individual who reaches out to CAA is met with empathetic, confidential, and expert care, grounded in best practices for supporting survivors and reducing harm.
“During these 16 days, CAA encourages every resident to reflect on the role each of us plays in creating a Bermuda where all people, women, men, and children, can live free from abuse and fear. Gender-based abuse remains a serious issue in our community, cutting across age, race, background, and parish lines.”
“The holidays should never be a time of dread or danger,” said the executive director, Laurie Shiell. “Our message this season is simple: everyone deserves safety. Everyone deserves peace. And everyone deserves to be treated with dignity during the holidays and every day of the year.”
A spokesperson added, “As the island prepares for Christmas lights, festive gatherings, and the spirit of giving, CAA invites the public to extend that spirit to those who may be silently suffering. Acts of activism can be large or small:
- Checking in on a friend or neighbour
- Sharing CAA’s online resources
- Supporting a survivor in confidence and directing them to CAA’s services
- Wearing orange, the colour of the 16 Days of Activism campaign
- Donating or volunteering with CAA
“Even one act of kindness can change the course of someone’s life.
“The Centre Against Abuse reminds the public that its 24-hour confidential hotline [297-8278] remains fully operational throughout the holiday period. Crisis intervention, safety planning, and guidance will continue uninterrupted.
“For many, the holidays can feel overwhelming. CAA encourages anyone who feels unsafe, unsure, or in need of support to reach out, day or night.
“This holiday season, Centre Against Abuse urges the community to stand united in rejecting abuse in all forms. Let us light our homes and our hearts not only with festive cheer, but with commitment to ending the cycle of abuse.”
“As we begin this season of celebration, let us also begin a season of change,” Mrs Shiell noted. “We have the power, individually and collectively, to make Bermuda a safer place. Together, we can ensure that peace, goodwill, and hope are not just holiday sentiments, but everyday realities.”
A spokesperson added, “Centre Against Abuse is Bermuda’s nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adult survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault. Through crisis intervention, counselling, safe housing assistance, court advocacy, and community education, CAA works year-round to build a safer, healthier Bermuda for all.
“For more information on our services and programmes go to our website at www.centreagainstabuse.bm and like our Facebook and Instagram pages. You can contact CAA on 441-292-4366, or info@centreagainstabuse.bm or 292-4366, or 24 hotline 297-8278. For donations to support our services, you can give via our HSBC bank account 001 284636 001.”
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