Residents have been urged to make sustained efforts to “break the silence” on instances of domestic abuse on the island.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “This year our focus is clear — we want to break the silence. Domestic abuse thrives in silence, in shame and in fear.”

It came after 133 people reported that they had been abused last year, while more than 150 children were affected by domestic abuse.

In addition, hundreds of domestic-related calls have been made to the Bermuda Police Service annually.

Ms Furbert issued the call to action on the steps of City Hall at a proclamation ceremony marking the start of Domestic Violence Awareness month.

She said the issue was a crisis affecting families, communities and individuals across all walks of life.

She said: “Most times we have no clue what someone may be going through. Today, we make a firm commitment to challenge that silence, to empower survivors to speak out, to encourage them to seek support without fear or shame and to hold abusers accountable for their actions.”

The minister urged residents to work with the strong foundational support provided by the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committee.

The body comprises several agencies including the Bermuda Police Service, the Department of Child and Family Services and the ministry.

She said the committee took a “comprehensive unified approach” in tackling domestic abuse.

“The collaboration between these agencies ensures that the survivors receive better protection, services and guidance they need.”

Ms Furbert said that in 2023, 126 women and seven men reported domestic abuse, and 159 children were exposed to it.

“I am thinking about that child, that woman, that man who is afraid to speak up to their abuser because they are afraid of the repercussions.”

The ministry is to continue to educate people in workplaces, schools and communities by raising awareness, fostering open dialogue, and teaching the island’s youth about healthy relationships.

She said: “We can begin to break the cycle of abuse before it starts.

“This responsibility falls on all of us, parents, teachers, employers, friends and neighbours.”

Ms Furbert said the observances this month did not only highlight awareness, but also called for action to combat the issue.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said between 700 to 900 calls each year were initially reported as domestic-related.

He said: “That’s an unacceptable number that highlights a level of harm in our community.”

Mr Simons said while relationships could come with challenges, abuse or violence was unacceptable and that the BPS would not tolerate such actions.

He said domestic abuse was recognised as a deeply complex issue entangled with housing concerns, child welfare, financial struggles and longstanding emotional challenges.

He added: “This is why we adopt a multi-agency approach.

“This issue is not only a law enforcement one, and it benefits from a broader perspective instead of just a law enforcement perspective.”

Mr Simons said the collaborative and multifaceted approach ensured victims and survivors received the best possible support and guidance.

He said: “Together, we bring the necessary expertise to tackle complicated matters around domestic abuse and help those that are affected.”

Each domestic abuse incident reported to the police gets carefully reviewed by a designated BPS officer, Mr Simons said.

He said that at briefings on Mondays and Fridays, a senior officer on call would give a comprehensive update on all incidents involving intimate partner abuse.

Mr Simons said the practice ensured that appropriate action was taken, with repeat victimisation getting special attention, and each incident receiving the necessary follow-through to support those affected.

He said: “I want to make this message clear. We are here to help and we will respond quickly.

“Our officers are trained and instructed to be proactive whenever there is evidence of an arrestable offence.”

He added: “We are sending a strong and unambiguous message — abuse will not be tolerated.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said domestic abuse was not a private matter.

He said: “It affects entire communities and weakens the very fabric of our society, threatening the safety and security of the most vulnerable among us.”

Mr Gosling said the City stood united in its commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring that individuals had a right a live free from fear, harm and intimidation.

He added: “This month is more than just awareness. It is a call to action.

“We must work together to provide support, raise our voices and build a network of care that empowers victims and holds abusers accountable.”