WRC Marks Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
The Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] is joining organisations and communities around the world in recognising October as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, using the month to increase understanding of the many forms domestic abuse can take, encourage greater support for survivors, and highlight resources available to women in Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “While physical violence remains one of the most recognised forms of domestic abuse, WRC is encouraging the community to understand that abuse can also be emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and technology-facilitated. It can also involve coercive control — a pattern of behaviour used to intimidate, isolate or control another person and gradually limit their independence.”
“Domestic abuse does not always leave visible signs,” said Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre. “Sometimes it looks like controlling someone’s finances, monitoring their phone or location, isolating them from friends and family, constantly undermining their confidence or using fear and intimidation to control their choices. The more we understand the different ways abuse can present itself, the better equipped we are to recognise it and respond appropriately.”
The spokesperson said, “There can be significant barriers to leaving, including concerns about safety, children, housing, finances, isolation and fear of what may happen following separation. For some survivors, abuse may also continue after the relationship itself has ended.
Purple Thursday – October 15
“As part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, WRC is encouraging individuals, businesses and organisations across Bermuda to participate in Purple Thursday, on Thursday October 15. Celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October, Purple Thursday invites the community to wear purple in recognition of and solidarity with those affected by domestic abuse.
“The Centre is encouraging participants to use the day not only as a visible show of support, but as an opportunity to start conversations, share information about available resources and learn more about recognising and responding to abuse.
“This year, WRC is also asking the community to turn awareness into action by making a donation to support services for women impacted by domestic abuse.
“Donations to WRC help the Centre provide therapeutic counselling, case management, advocacy, referrals and hardship support to women navigating abuse and other difficult circumstances.”
“Wearing purple is a simple but meaningful way to show solidarity, but we also want to give the community an opportunity to take that support one step further,” Ms Crockwell said. “A donation to WRC directly supports our ability to be there when a woman reaches out for help — whether she needs someone to talk to, help understanding her options, advocacy, or support navigating what comes next.”
The spokesperson said, “WRC encourages workplaces and community groups participating in Purple Thursday to consider incorporating a fundraiser or collection in support of the Centre’s work, and individuals can also make donations directly to WRC.
Coparenting Through Abuse
“WRC will also host Coparenting Through Abuse on Thursday, October 22, a workshop designed for women navigating parenting with a current or former abusive partner.
“The topic was developed in response to trends WRC has identified among clients seeking support with domestic abuse matters, particularly women who continue to experience challenging or abusive dynamics after separation because they share children with a former partner.
“Through its client work, WRC has seen how parenting arrangements, communication about children, custody and access matters, and interactions with family and child-welfare systems can create additional challenges for women attempting to establish safety and stability following an abusive relationship.”
“The issues women bring to us help inform the programmes and education we provide,” Ms Crockwell said. “We are seeing women who have left relationships but are still required to have ongoing contact with a former partner because they share children. Separation can change the nature of the relationship, but it does not always end the patterns of control or abuse.”
The spokesperson said, “The workshop will explore ongoing coercive control, communication and documentation, safety planning, parenting arrangements, navigating Family Court and child-welfare processes, the impact of abusive dynamics on children, and available support and resources.”
“Coparenting Through Abuse is our response to something we are seeing through our direct work with women,” Ms Crockwell added. “We want participants to leave with practical information and strategies that can help them navigate these situations while keeping their own well-being and the well-being of their children at the centre.”
The spokesperson said, “The workshop will be facilitated by WRC Case Manager Camille Creary and offered in two formats: a virtual session at 12:30 p.m. via Zoom and an in-person session at 6:00 p.m. at the Women’s Resource Centre.
“Registration is required and space is limited. Registration is available at www.wrcbermuda.com.
Support Is Available
“Throughout the year, the Women’s Resource Centre provides therapeutic counselling, case management, advocacy, referrals and other support to women navigating difficult circumstances, including domestic abuse.
“WRC emphasises that women do not need to have all the answers or know exactly what support they require before reaching out.”
“Sometimes the first step is simply being able to say, ‘I don’t know what to do, but I know I need help,’” Ms Crockwell said. “That is enough to start a conversation.”
The spokesperson said, “Throughout October, WRC encourages the Bermuda community to learn the signs, listen without judgement, believe survivors and support the services available to them.
“For more information about the Women’s Resource Centre, its services, Domestic Abuse Awareness Month activities, or ways to donate, visit wrcbermuda.com or contact the Centre at 295-3882.”
