Some police officers need to be better educated about protocols for engaging with victims of domestic abuse, a panel of women’s advocates said.

The issue was discussed in an online forum facilitated by Carla Zuill-Ikonwa, the founder of the Women’s Empowerment Summit, and the founder and editor of SheHubTV.

Juanae Crockwell, the executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre, said numerous clients had been told incorrectly by officers that action could only be taken if the abuse was physical.

All victims of domestic abuse, whether physical, verbal or in writing, emotional or otherwise, have a right to file a formal report to police, according to Bermuda Police Service protocol.

Ms Crockwell and Laurie Shiell-Smith, the executive director of the Centre Against Abuse, have since highlighted the “tremendous” work of Petrice Madeiros, the police domestic violence liaison officer.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said last July that in keeping with guidelines set out under the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference, police were undergoing training that focuses on domestic abuse and its impact on survivors.

He told The Royal Gazette this week that the police are committed to “continual enhancement”.

Ms Crockwell told the panel on Friday: “This is a criticism of some officers in the BPS, not all.

“I have only been in this role for ten months, but I have had more clients than I can count come and say: ‘I went to police station, showed them this threatening message or played this threatening voice note and they said until he hits you we can’t do anything.’

“There’s an education that has to take place within BPS. WRC has met with the domestic violence liaison officer to establish what the protocol is. There is work that needs to be done on the side of the BPS.

“There are other organisations, like WRC and the CAA, who you can come to first and allow us to be that liaison with the police if you feel uncomfortable or if you don’t trust them.

“Sometimes what we have done is, instead of sending our client to the police station, we call the liaison officer and ask, ‘Can you send an officer here to meet with our client?’ ”

Ms Crockwell highlighted that the Centre Against Abuse has been working with the BPS in response training.

Ms Shiell-Smith, the executive director of the CAA, said during the panel: “We have a 24-hour hotline. If you want to make a report to the police, you don’t have to go to the station. We can assist you in ensuring a report gets done in a safe and private space.

“A lot of people don’t like the stigma of the police station, and if you have ever been to the police station in Bermuda, it’s so small. You are in this small little cubicle, and right beside you is the front door, and everyone can hear your story.

“Requesting a more confidential space is something we can assist with. We go with them to the police station to ensure it is handled correctly. Some people have said they went to the police station to make a report, and they said, ‘Go to the Centre Against Abuse’.”

Ms Zuill-Ikonwa said that during her lifetime, she knew of at least five women in Bermuda who had been “brutally murdered” by partners or former partners, and asked the panel whether domestic abuse was being taken seriously.

She said: “People say what’s the point because it seems like there is no help from a legal perspective.”

Ms Crockwell responded: “The experience of some of my clients shows that there are gaps.

“I think we have basic laws in place, but it’s the implementation of them, the follow through of the policy. Having the law on the books means nothing if it’s not going to be implemented and if there aren’t policies in place sympathetic to the victim.

“Before we go to changing the legal structure, we have to look at the other structures and systems in place that funnel into that overall legal piece.

“There’s breakdown sometimes, and it’s very disheartening for the victim. Can you imagine going to the police station and saying, ‘I’m afraid for my life because my baby daddy sent me six threatening messages in the last week’ and they say, ‘Well, has he hit you yet?’

“That’s a horrible experience for a victim.”

The police Vulnerable Persons Unit is a participant in Marac along with the Department of Child and Family Services, support services including the WRC and CAA, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies that have knowledge of or work with victims.

Mr Simons said at a press conference last summer highlighting Marac’s work: “Historically, our response has not always been effective in protecting survivors and holding abusers accountable.”

In response to questions about the recent panel discussion, Mr Simons said yesterday: “We agree that ongoing education is vital to ensuring officers provide trauma-informed, client-centred care. We review our training programmes, using best practices to update protocols and implementation.

“Officers received extensive domestic-abuse response training last year, but this work never ends. We are committed to continual enhancement so interactions consistently reflect empathy, discretion and professional handling of sensitive information.

“Our involvement with the Marac enables a collaborative response alongside counselling services, legal support, safety planning and other agencies. Internal evaluation and improvement is crucial too. We support victims not only by taking statements but also by connecting them with these resources to encourage empowerment.

“As it relates to privacy, we have significant security measures for our domestic abuse reporting area with restricted access control. However, we understand some may still feel uncomfortable with that location.

“Our Vulnerable Persons Unit, with specially trained officers, can confidentially meet victims at safe locations to take statements if preferred. Additionally, we welcome the assistance of our partners in providing alternate spaces for reporting to take place.”

He encouraged victims to report incidents to police promptly, adding: “While shortcomings may inadvertently occur, we are wholeheartedly committed to enhancing our compassionate, effective response through ongoing review and partnership with advocacy groups.

“Together, by reducing stigma and barriers, we can make meaningful progress in providing client-centred support and justice.”

Anyone wishing to make a report of domestic abuse to police via phone may do so by calling 911.

• For more information, visit theWRC websiteor CAA website.