The Minister of Labour and Economy challenged his fellow legislators to ensure stringent laws are in place to help stamp out violence and sexual harassment against women.

Jason Hayward used his time during motion to adjourn in Friday’s House of Assembly session to urge a collaborative approach to ensure justice was done and perpetrators are held accountable.

He said: “We as MPs need to ensure that we are cognisant of the signs so that we can provide the necessary interventions.

“It is important that we rally along with organisations and campaigns for prevention and to raise awareness of these particular matters.

“It is equally important that we have a justice system that holds perpetrators accountable.”

He said he had heard police sometimes did not answer calls to domestic incidents.

A domestic violence panel highlighted the issue of police response to domestic violence in January. It said work needed be done.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said at the time he agreed that ongoing education was “vital” to ensuring officers provided trauma-informed, client-centred care.

The previous year, Mr Simons initiated a review of how domestic abuse reports were handled.

Mr Hayward said: “I think it is our responsibility that we ensure we have the proper laws and enforcement. There should be zero tolerance.

“We don’t have to stand alone, there is power in collective action.”

Mr Hayward created a Bullying and Sexual Harassment Policy Statement for employers to implement.

The Bermuda’s Employment and Labour Code, which consists of the Trade Union and Labour Relations [Consolidation] Act and the Employment Amendment [No2] Act, came into force on June 1, 2021.

He said that when he spoke to employees who were subjected to bullying and harassment, they were asked what outcome they desired.

Mr Hayward said: “Most persons simply wanted the behaviour to stop.

“I am calling on our men, as best as we possibly can, to change our behaviour, to look at that woman as an equal human being, and treat her with the dignity and respect that she deserves. We have the statistics, we have calls for action.

“From the Government’s standpoint, it is about instilling hope that we will collectively find a way to ensure that they live in a safer Bermuda, a Bermuda where the current normal is no longer.

“I call on the men in society as well, whenever we can, let’s reinforce to the women that we support them, we cherish them and we are advocates. They need not stand alone.”