Campaigners called on the community to unite in a drive to put an end to violence against women.

Today marks the United Nation’s International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “Together, we must stand against violence. Each of us has a role to play — be it supporting survivors, educating ourselves and others, promoting a culture of respect and understanding, or advocating for change and gender equality.”

Ms Furbert said that ending violence was not just a goal but was “imperative”, and that “it is our collective responsibility to ensure every woman and girl in Bermuda feels safe and valued”.

She said: “This year's theme is ‘Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’.

“In alignment with this theme, the Government is combating domestic violence through proactive measures, including the implementation of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Model.

“The Marac committee is working to develop a five-year domestic abuse strategy and is seeking to hire a domestic abuse liaison officer, a dedicated resource who will be based at the Centre Against Abuse to support clients."

Ms Furbert said that since Marac’s inception in April, almost 40 family matters had been identified as high risk.

The Marac committee has also recommended safety plans for clients to case workers at the Department of Child and Family Services, the Centre Against Abuse, and Ageing and Disability Services, to ensure swift and comprehensive support.

She added: “Additionally, throughout this year, numerous domestic violence trainings have equipped our community stakeholders with the tools to address and prevent such incidents effectively.

“Bermuda also remains dedicated to international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, extended to the island in 2017, reaffirming our commitment to fostering gender equality and justice.

"Collaborative partnerships between the Government and key agencies like the Bermuda Police Service, Centre Against Abuse, Women's Resource Centre and the One Love Foundation remain crucial in addressing and preventing violence.

“The Centre Against Abuse has been instrumental in supporting 126 female clients since November 2022, emphasising the critical need for ongoing support and intervention for victims of violence.”

Laurie Shiell, the executive director at Centre Against Abuse, said as a society people must call out all forms of violence, inappropriate talk, predators and laws that do not provide adequate justice to victims.

She said “When we support and save a woman and girl, we support and save a community.”

Juanae Crockwell, the executive director at Women's Resource Centre, said the charity was encouraged by the ministry’s commitment to raising awareness on issues impacting women in Bermuda.

“In this regard, Bermuda is not another world, as women in this country face violence and abuse in many forms daily,” she said.

“We look forward to building on this relationship and together making a tangible difference in the community and the lives of women in Bermuda.”

Tammy Richardson-Augustus, a One Love Foundation ambassador, said: “The UN International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women holds us all to account in reducing the scourge of abuse that adversely impacts our homes, workplaces and virtual environments.”