A societal “epidemic” of abuse towards women needs a streamlined support network if Bermuda is to confront domestic violence, according to the Women’s Resource Centre.

Juanae Crockwell, the executive director of the WRC, welcomed the life sentence handed out last week to the murderer of a young woman, but added: “Hefty sentences are a reactionary approach to the issue of domestic violence.”

She said that the WRC takes calls on “a weekly, sometimes daily, basis from women who are experiencing domestic abuse and have trouble reporting and finding support”.

She added: “Our clients are often directed and redirected to multiple helping agencies before actually making progress with their complaint.”

Ms Crockwell said that for some victims the process proved “too laborious, in addition to the emotional weight of the abuse”.

“A conversation needs to be had with all stakeholders to ensure that when a woman, or anyone for that matter, finds the courage to seek help, they receive it promptly and efficiently.

“We want to be a part of that conversation and policy implementation because that is where change occurs.”

Ms Crockwell spoke after Anthony Davis received a life sentence – he must serve a minimum of 23 years before the chance of parole – for the murder of Morissa Moniz on November 11, 2021.

At the sentencing, Puisne Judge Shade Subair Williams highlighted their “toxic” relationship, which Ms Moniz was about to leave when her life was cut short by Davis’s “murderous rage”.

Offering condolences to Ms Moniz’s family, Ms Crockwell added: “There is no justice for this crime.

“That being said, the sentence that Anthony Davis received is among the highest life sentences we have seen in Bermuda, which speaks to the severity of his actions, and we hope will send a strong message to abusers.”

She agreed with remarks by Detective Inspector Jason Smith, of the Bermuda Police Service, who told those suffering from domestic violence that “it’s time to speak out so that justice can be served”.

But Ms Crockwell said that “we must first ensure that the processes in place to facilitate these kinds of reports are efficient and sympathetic to a victim”.

“Statistics from the Department of Public Prosecutions showed that in 2020, 30 per cent of their cases were domestic-related.

“In the same year, the Centre Against Abuse reported 171 cases of abuse. This is an epidemic.”

Additionally, Ms Crockwell highlighted a failure to treat Davis for “what is clearly a mental health-related challenge”.

“In 2018, when he appeared in court for dropping his child out of a second-storey window, he received a suspended sentence, with no mandated substance abuse or mental health rehabilitation.”

In that case, Davis – who told the court that he had trouble with alcohol as well as past trauma – was given a nine-month suspended sentence with two years’ probation.

Ms Crockwell told The Royal Gazette: “That was a missed opportunity on the part of our justice system and sadly has contributed to this outcome.

“We cannot talk about domestic abuse without addressing the entire epidemic.

“Implementing strong penalties is only one aspect. There are awareness, advocacy and prevention aspects that also need to be considered and improved.”

Laurie Shiell, the executive director of the Centre Against Abuse, also backed Davis’s life sentence for “his vicious attack that denied Morissa Moniz of a life that would have involved the continued love and support of her family”.

Ms Shiell added: “This sentence will not erase the unbearable pain that Ms Moniz’s loved ones have to bear daily.

“But it is our hope that this will encourage abusers to reconsider their actions and get help now.”

Ms Shiell said that abusers often moved from person to person, leaving victims with mental and physical scars.

“Our public need to understand that abuse is a crime. Assault is a crime. Stalking is a crime. If you know someone who is abusive, talk with them about getting help now.”

She said that counselling programmes were available, such as the Change Ya Mind, Change Ya Life intervention programme and the men’s support group MASC Bermuda.

“CAA is encouraging those who find themselves being victimised, manipulated and abused, and don’t know how to remove themselves safely from an abuser, to contact us for assistance. Centre Against Abuse is available to help victims work through a safety plan, regain hope and establish a renewed sense of self.”