The public is invited to join a virtual open discussion on domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence Awareness Panel will be hosted by Tinée Furbert, the Minister for Social Development and Seniors, and Lindsay Simmons, senator, and takes place tonight from 6pm.

It can be watched live on the Government’s Facebook page, and via the CITV YouTube channel and on CITV.

Questions are welcomed and may be submitted before the event via e-mail at askus@gov.bm

This event will also launch Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month next month.

Ms Furbert said: “We have panellists who will share their expertise as we bring awareness to the critical issue of domestic violence.

“We must bring this community issue to the centre stage and I look forward to welcoming a much-needed discussion on what domestic violence looks like in Bermuda today and how we look to tackle this problem.

“I encourage everyone to tune in on Monday evening and join in the discussion.”

Discussion topics include warning signs of domestic violence, the impact on all genders, trauma and criminal offences.

Also on the panel are Laurie Shiell-Smith, executive director for the Centre Against Abuse; Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions; Susan Adhemar, a chartered psychologist; and Tina Laws, the executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre.

In November, Ms Simmons, who is the junior minister for Social Development and Seniors, and Home Affairs, spoke out about her own rape ordeal.

She said she was viciously attacked when she broke off a relationship with a man in 2002.

She said: “We have to change the mentality of some. We are not anyone’s possession or property.”