have been something of a shock for most Bermudians. While some of the rise can be attributed to better reporting and a greater willingness on the part of women to come forward, we think the alarming figures may be just the tip of the iceberg.

A Police spokesmen said women did not always report assaults, particularly when the attacker was someone they knew. That is well known to be true when the attacker is a husband or a boyfriend.

It is shocking to think that in a civilised country with a high standard of living and a high level of education so many women are terrorised. During August and September alone, 31 women contacted the Women's Resource Centre. So far this year 87 women have been given assistance by the Centre, more than the entire number helped last year. Not all of those women went to the Police for the obvious reason. The 31 was more than five times the number of abuse victims in the months of June and July. It is certainly not an excuse but Bermuda did have an almost unbearable hot and humid August and September which could have been a contributing factor.

Another disturbing element is the number of women being stalked who are not included in those figures. Four reported being stalked during August and September.

Penny Dill, the Women's Resource Centre Chairman, has been quoted as saying: "These figures only include women who are victims of a physical assault.

Usually each month we also have cases where women fear for their lives or are terrified for their children because they are being stalked.'' Stalking by its very nature is an act of terror and Bermuda's new stalking legislation does allow women who come forward and report stalking a measure of protection. However it is clear that there is no real protection from a determined stalker. Police have said: "Obviously all women should be alert for danger.'' Ms Dill has warned women not to be complacent particularly when entering an empty house or returning to their car in the dark.

There can be little doubt that both alcohol and illegal drugs very often play a part in these offences. The public should not underestimate the impact substances have on the home and the family. Where there is an abused woman there are, more often than not, either abused or terrified children whose lives are also disrupted.

The public and concerned individuals should make it very clear just how much they disagree with abuse and disapprove of abusers. Very often people know of the abuse and do nothing, especially if the abuse is domestic. These days many business organisations can refer employees to the Employee Assistance Programme and they should do so without hesitation when they are aware of abusive relationships.