An activist is on a mission to reduce the stigma around and the incidence of domestic abuse.

Tammy Richardson-Augustus encouraged the public to wear purple as a symbol of solidarity for victims, survivors and their families, and marked Purple Thursday during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness month, as “a meaningful step forward”.

She also staged The Empty Chair activation campaign to highlight the “silent crisis of abuse” Bermuda faces.

The Empty Chair technique of therapy invites clients to respond to unresolved feelings from a new perspective, while the purple ribbon is a traditional symbol of support.

The event at Crow Lane roundabout and at City Hall aimed to provide a sobering visual of the lethality of abuse as well as the lasting void that loved ones endure.

Ms Richardson-Augustus said: “It was a clarion call designed to inform the community of the prominence, signs and inherent dangers of domestic abuse, to bring awareness to the life-saving resources available, and to inspire real policy change”.

She described domestic abuse as both a human rights issue and a public health issue that leads to far-reaching societal consequences, including death, injury, homelessness, drug addiction, mental health issues, suicide and absenteeism.

She said: “While the Empty Chair is a poignant symbol of grief, honour and remembrance, it also represents the staggering number of victim/survivors who suffer in isolation, feel invisible and aren’t receiving the support they so desperately need.

“We must bring issues of domestic abuse out of the shadows and light the way towards healthier families.

“We must build momentum and find more ways to engage.”

During the event, Ms Richardson-Augustus highlighted the efforts of those working in the area of anti-abuse including: Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Lindsay Simmons, the Junior Minister of Social Development and Seniors and Home Affairs, Patrice Medeiros, domestic violence officer with the Bermuda Police Service, Laurie Shiell, executive director of Centre Against Abuse, Stephany Outerbridge, programme manager at the Coalition for the Protection of Children, Sandy De Silva, executive director of Family Centre, and Juanae Crockwell, executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre.

Ms Richardson-Augustus added: “While Domestic Violence Awareness Month may have come to an end, their abuse prevention education and counselling work continues.”

She encouraged members of the public to donate to the noted charities, learn the warning signs of abuse and understand how to support victims and survivors.

Purple Thursday events will be held annually to shed light on the devastating effects of abuse including on child witnesses.