Work by a task force formed to address domestic violence in Bermuda was outlined yesterday.

The implementation of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference model was initially announced in the 2022-23 Throne Speech.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, was joined by Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons, Acting Chief Inspector Derricka Burns, Inspector Sharnita Tankard and multiple helping agencies involved in the project to provide an update on work done so far and to roll out the plan going forward.

Also present were members of the Marac committee.

Ms Furbert said that regular meetings were helping in relation to Marac.

She said: “Together, the meetings will put together a risk management action plan individualised for each victim so that each agency is aware of and understands their role in protecting and supporting the victim.

“Since 2022, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our systems, aiming to improve our response, early intervention, and prevention of domestic abuse in our community.

“This review was conducted by SafeLives UK, a charity dedicated to ending domestic violence that works with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse.

“SafeLives took a systems-wide assessment of our current landscape, engaging with various stakeholders, including survivors, perpetrators, professionals and the general public. They used a range of methodologies, including public surveys, face-to-face interviews and consultations with service users and providers.

“Through this collaborative effort we have gained valuable insights and identified key opportunities for improvement.“

Those participating in Marac include the Bermuda Police Service Vulnerable Persons Unit, the Department of Child and Family Services, the Centre Against Abuse, the Women’s Resource Centre, Ageing and Disability Services, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies, including the courts, Probation Services, mental health services and substance misuse services.

Ms Furbert said one of the most significant outcomes of the review was the establishment of a Domestic Abuse Strategy for Bermuda.

She outlined ten priority areas in this strategy [see panel].

Ms Furbert said the team wished for action before someone is harmed or harms others; harmful behaviour to be identified and stopped; increased safety for all at risk; and the ability for people to live the life they want after the harm has happened.

Mr Simons said that victims of domestic abuse often faced significant challenges when seeking support, including fear, shame and uncertainty about how to access resources, and the fact that the police played a critical role in responding to incidents.

He said: “Historically, our response has not always been effective in protecting survivors and holding abusers accountable. To address this issue, the BPS officers have been undergoing training in keeping with guidelines set out under the Marac that focuses specifically on domestic abuse and its impact on survivors.

“This covers a range of topics, including the dynamics of domestic abuse, the psychological and emotional effects on survivors and strategies for responding to incidents of domestic violence in a way that prioritises survivor safety.

“One key aspect of this training is helping officers recognising the signs of domestic abuse and understand the different forms it can take. Domestic abuse can involve physical violence, sexual assault emotional abuse, financial exploitation and more.

“Another important aspect of this training is helping officers understand the impact of trauma on survivors.

“Survivors often experience significant psychological and emotional trauma, which can effect their ability to trust others and seek help. By gaining a deeper understanding of trauma and its effects, officers can be better equipped to support survivors in a way that is compassionate, respectful and trauma informed.”

Ms Furbert shared some local statistics on domestic abuse. Research from the World Health Organisation estimates that one in three women globally have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

She said that based on global research it was estimated that 27 per cent of the female population in Bermuda would have experienced intimate partner violence or abuse.

According to the 2016 Bermuda Census, Bermuda’s adult female population is 27,723 and it is estimated that more than 7,000 women in Bermuda have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

There is no global estimate on male victims of domestic abuse but the England and Wales Crime survey usually reports about 3 to 4 per cent of men experience domestic violence in a year or about 13 to 14 per cent of men during their lifetime.

The SafeLives Bermuda: Public Health Approach Report is published on www.gov.bm via the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors webpage.