The Physical Abuse Centre (PAC) which was formed in 1979, runs and operates the only "Safe House'' on the Island, specifically for battered women and their children.

It is the mission of The Physical Abuse Centre to provide a "Safe Haven'' for women who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused and to provide crisis intervention and short-term counselling to victims, as well as to the perpetrators of violence.

SHELTER The most immediate need of a woman who has been seriously battered is a place to go. The shelter provides women and their dependents a safe place to stay from the abuser.

For clients' safety the location of the shelter is confidential. They are initially escorted by either the police, the matron or the counsellor.

The shelter is provided on a temporary basis (usually a few days - six weeks) for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. Clients in need of further support may be eligible to remain at the shelter longer. Each case is different.

HOTLINE Victims, the general public, and the police have access to our 24-hour hot line number 297-8278. Trained staff are readily available to handle crisis calls and provide the necessary intervention.

HOME VISITS The progress of clients, whose psychological and physical well-being is at risk, is monitored by the PAC counsellor. In addition to telephone contact once the client has left the "Safe House'' the counsellor visits the home to follow-up and assess the family's needs. Further counselling/referral services are provided as necessary.

COUNSELLING Individual as well as joint counselling are provided for clients on a short-term basis (usually for a period of eight to 10 weeks) from Monday until Friday between the hours of 9.00 a.m and 5.00 p.m.

Trained staff are also available after hours and on holidays for crisis situations. Counselling sessions are provided for men and women. The child victims of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse will be referred to the appropriate agency that can further meet his/her specialised needs.

GROUP COUNSELLING These sessions are provided for preventive educational purposes as well as an additional support for victims of domestic violence as they persevere to break the cycle of violence. Group sessions are scheduled with flexibility according to the availability of clients.

LEGAL ADVOCACY Clients are referred to the centre's Legal Advisor - Karen Williams-Smith (and others) for advice on legal matters. For emotional support, clients are often accompanied by the counsellor to the lawyer's office and/or to court.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS The Physical Abuse Centre holds a number of events throughout the year to educate the public on physical, emotional, and sexual abuse issues.

Presentations are provided by local and overseas facilitators on topics related to all types of domestic violence.

PAC conducts trainings to the police and to various organisations within the community for purposes of prevention and increasing persons' sensitivity and education on domestic violence related issues.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME The centre recruits volunteer staff which is devoted to assisting persons whose emotional and physical well-being is threatened. Volunteers consist of persons from an array of backgrounds to assist with various activities.

Volunteers who receive the proper training can also become active in PAC's mentor/friend programme. The role of PAC's volunteers are: one of friendship (which comprises of trust), to lend a listening ear, outings together (for example, shopping or attending church), and many other activities depending on the clients' needs.

MEDICAL ATTENTION Clients in need of medical attention are referred to our Medical Advisor - Dr.

Burton Butterfield for assistance. For emotional support, clients are often accompanied by the counsellor to the hospital (in emergency cases).

HOUSING At the Centre, we refer our clients to The Housing Corporation, Private Home Service, Shared Accommodations Services and Real Estate Agents who assist them in securing temporary and permanent accommodations.

CONSULTANT Clients with special needs are referred to the centre's Clinical Psychologist.

PAC counsels men, and is now in the process of setting up a batterers program for men.

The Physical Abuse Centre is part of The Family Resource network, which consists of The Coalition for The Protection of Children, The Institute of Child & Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and The Fathers' Resource. The agencies joined in 1998 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision.

The Physical Abuse Centre would like to take this opportunity to extend to you a very blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!