Activist brings US anti-domestic violence campaign to Bermuda
A lawyer and advocate for victims of domestic violence is looking to bring to Bermuda an awareness campaign that exposes abusers as master manipulators.
Tammy Richardson-Augustus said the Hidden Horrors campaign from US-based Safe in Harm’s Way Foundation, DomesticShelters.org — a programme of Alliance for Hope — and Neon, an IPG health company, encouraged the friends and family of abuse victims to “take a closer look” at seemingly perfect relationships.
It features an image of an attractive couple posing in front of their ideal home.
At first glance, they look happy, healthy and aspirational, but upon further inspection, a green, monster-like hand, clasped on his wife’s shoulder, suggests something darker is happening behind closed doors.
Ms Richardson-Augustus, who has been steadfast in her efforts to extend international domestic abuse education and awareness campaigns to Bermuda, said Hidden Horrors resonated with her.
She expected to feature the campaign locally on television, buses, digital bulleting and social media.
Additionally, a website has been launched that offers resources for victims and the wider community, providing “essential” links to Bermuda-based associations for people at risk, and to help identify signs of abuse.
“I have been especially dismayed by the spate of complaints, both locally and globally, from victims sitting in mortal danger whose credible allegations of abuse are normalised or dismissed because of two factors — the profile of the perpetrator and a lack of understanding of the dynamics of abuse” Ms Richardson Augustus said.
“The Hidden Horrors campaign skilfully expands our purview into the malevolent deceptions of an abuser, commanding us to look beyond profile to the actual character and conduct of the perpetrator.”
In recognition of International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly, Tammy Richardson Augustus is launching an advertisement campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage decision-makers to implement a comprehensive set of policies to
• Recognise all forms of domestic violence (including coercive control)
• Protect and support victims
• Prosecute perpetrators
The Hidden Horrors campaign initially premiered in 2023 in America and has since been featured on more than 2,900 national screens in high-traffic areas in the US.
Ms Richardson-Augustus said she is grateful for the support from Safe In Harm’s Way, DomesticShelters.org, Neon and Gemma Godfrey, who is part of her local team.
The initiative’s microsite was designed to address visitors’ specific needs and provide them with resources. It can be found at HiddenHorrors.bm.
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