Reports of domestic violence in the midst of Hurricane Ernesto have sparked renewed calls for a community-wide response.

In a statement on Facebook in the wake of Ernesto’s passage, Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, expressed “great concern” about the number of reports that arose during and after the storm.

He added then: “We understand that coming forward can be difficult, but I urge victims to seek help and support.”

Mr Simons later told The Royal Gazette: “The Bermuda Police Service strongly condemn domestic abuse and are unwavering in our dedication to protecting our community and its most vulnerable members.”

He said that there were eight domestic incidents reported to police between 5pm on August 16 and 8am on August 19.

The commissioner added that there were nine such incidents reported the previous weekend and eight over the Cup Match weekend.

“Some of these incidents occurred with children present and often there were disturbing levels of aggression and violence,” Mr Simons said.

“Sadly, domestic abuse often intensifies during holiday periods and extreme weather when families spend extended time at home. We recognise the importance of taking decisive action.

“To those affected by domestic abuse, it is vital that you know — you do not have to suffer in silence. We urge you to come forward and report these incidents.

“The Bermuda Police Service are proactive in their approach to domestic abuse cases. We assure you that every report will be taken seriously, and we are here to support you through this difficult time.”

Mr Simons said the BPS worked closely with community partners including the Centre Against Abuse, the Department of Child and Family Services, Ageing and Disability Services, the Women’s Resource Centre, Family Centre and the Coalition for the Protection of Children to help tackle domestic violence.

“This multi-agency framework ensures that individuals facing domestic abuse have access to a wealth of resources, support and assistance to help them navigate their circumstances safely,” he said.

“Together, we can work towards breaking the cycle of abuse and empowering victims to reclaim their lives. Your safety is our highest priority.

“We stand ready to provide the support you need, and we encourage anyone affected by domestic abuse to reach out for help.”

Laurie Shiell, of the Centre Against Abuse, confirmed that the charity received a number of referrals from the BPS on the Monday after the storm, which passed Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane on August 17.

“Not all people come forward that are referred, but we do assist all victims of intimate partner abuse,” she added.

The Women’s Resource Centre said it was concerned by the number of abuse cases it had seen recently, including in the wake of Hurricane Ernesto.

In a statement, the charity said: “The storm's aftermath saw a disturbing spike in reports of domestic abuse, highlighting a pattern we have observed during times of crisis when families are forced into prolonged periods of close quarters.

“This statement from Mr Simons underscores what we continue to observe as a major community and public health issue, one that disproportionately affects women.”

Juanae Crockwell, the WRC’s executive director, said that in the first six months of 2024, the charity received 33 domestic abuse-related inquiries, about 80 per cent of the number reported in all of last year.

“This alarming statistic reflects two critical trends in our community,” Ms Crockwell said.

“First, that domestic abuse continues to be a pervasive issue in Bermuda, and second, that more women are taking the brave step to report their abuse and seek support.”

Ms Crockwell added that the increasing number of reports highlighted the persistent nature of domestic abuse on the island and the need for a co-ordinated, community-wide response.

“If we are going to encourage people to report instances of abuse, we must also ensure that practical and tangible support services are in place to respond in a crisis and provide ongoing care,” she said.

“Victims require continued support — legal, emotional, financial and practical — to navigate the complexities of leaving an abusive situation, particularly in the context of Bermuda’s economic and housing challenges.

“These challenges are both a cause and consequence of domestic abuse and directly relate to the rise in reports that we are seeing today.”

The WRC said it was committed to supporting victims — one way is by raising awareness of the gaps in the continuum of care that present challenges for them.

A spokeswoman for the charity added: “We join the Commissioner of Police in urging those affected by domestic abuse to seek help.

“However, we acknowledge that systemic issues often become barriers for victims.

“Most pressing is that Bermuda lacks designated safe housing for women and children affected by domestic abuse, a significant challenge for agencies like ours striving to provide holistic and ongoing support.

“That is something we need to address with urgency.

“Over the past five years, we can easily recall three fatal incidences of domestic abuse against women in Bermuda.

“That is three too many, and we must begin to discuss this issue in its wider context if we are to seriously tackle it.”

The charity said that while it is not a crisis intervention organisation, it can offer a range of support services for victims of abuse, including counselling, legal advocacy and hardship assistance.

“We provide a safe and confidential environment and we are committed to walking alongside survivors every step of the way, ensuring they are not alone in their journey,” the spokeswoman added.

• For more information about services at the Women’s Resource Centre, or to speak with someone confidentially, call 295-3882 or visit www.wrcbermuda.com. The Centre Against Abuse offers at 24-hour hotline at 297-8278, while more information about its services can be found on its website at www.centreagainstabuse.bm