A march through Hamilton this week in protest of the growing number of violent and sexual attacks around the Island has been acknowledged by the Police.

The March Against Violence on Wednesday has been arranged by a group of concerned women eager to raise awareness of the assaults, and to encourage the community to fight back.

Hundreds of men and women are expected to snake their way along Pitts Bay Road and Front Street, before coming to a halt outside the House of Assembly and Hamilton Police Station on Parliament Street.

One of the organisers, Geneva Humdy-Woodley said Bermuda was too small to be suffering from such frequent attacks, and said now that tourists were being targeted, it was time the community took a stand.

A Police spokesman said: "The Bermuda Police Service recognises any event that serves to heighten awareness of the effects of violence, and also supports public discussion on the topic.'' Mrs. Humdy-Woodley said the march was not about laying blame or about playing politics, but simply raising awareness and letting everybody know that people have concerns.

One of the organisers Kita Hill said she believed the public was not given enough information about assaults as and when they happen, but the Police have responded by saying they did everything they could to keep the public fully informed.

The spokesman added: "As a matter of course, Police do report serious crimes, including handbag snatches and assaults against all segments of the public.

"There is usually quite detailed information released regarding times and locations, provided the details do not compromise the identity of the victim or jeopardise the investigation.'' The march will begin at 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday outside of the Bacardi building on Pitts Bay Road in Pembroke. Everyone is urged to attend.

And the following Wednesday, April 25, The Women's Resource Centre will be holding a public forum for people to discuss the issue of sexual and physical assault. A panel, made up of Police officers, prosecutors and nurses, will be on hand to answer questions and give advice. The forum will be held at Heritage Hall, on the corner of Union and Dundonald streets from 7 p.m. and both men and women are invited to attend.

CRIME CRM