A former chair of the Human Rights Commission has urged for the island’s domestic abuse legislation to be broadened to offer better protection and support.

Tawana Tannock, a domestic abuse advocate, made the call at the Women’s Resource Centre’s inaugural Purple Thursday Gala at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, last Thursday.

The event was geared at elevating awareness and advocacy for survivors of abuse during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month throughout October, the charity said.

Ms Tannock, the event’s keynote speaker, recommended amendments to the island’s domestic abuse legislation to include forms of abuse such as coercive control as well as mental and emotional abuse.

The charity said: “Ms Tannock emphasised that broadening the legal definitions of domestic abuse is essential for offering better protection and support to survivors and ensuring that all forms of abuse are properly recognised and addressed.”

Ms Tannock’s address highlighted the murder of Anna Skeeters in Bermuda in 1878, and she explained how the people of Sandys came together to search for her body.

Her presentation drew parallels with the 2020 murder of Chavelle Dillon-Burgess, and she underscored the community responsibility in fighting domestic abuse.

Ms Tannock said the Skeeters murder played a key role in the formation of the Bermuda Police Service, and called for collective community action to address domestic abuse.

The WRC said Purple Thursday, which is recognised globally as a day to show support for survivors of domestic abuse, was marked with a purple-themed gala.

The event brought the community together to honour victims, raise funds and further the cause of ending domestic abuse in Bermuda.

Attendees included Rena Lalgie, the Governor, Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and prominent community advocates.

The WRC said donations would go directly to its Hardship Fund for victims of domestic abuse.

Juanae Crockwell, executive director of the WRC, said: “Our goal at the Women’s Resource Centre is to change the way we show up for survivors of abuse.

“We are committed to ensuring that comprehensive support services are in place to provide ongoing therapeutic, legal and practical assistance to help women regain control of their lives.

“Every penny raised from this event will directly impact women who have experienced abuse, helping them find safety and stability.”

The presence of an empty chair at the event served as “a poignant reminder” of the women whose lives have been lost to domestic abuse.

The charity added: “This symbolic gesture honoured their memory and underscored the importance of continuing our work to prevent further loss to this insidious crime.”

The WRC thanked the event’s sponsors, which included the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Belco, Martello Re, Everen Specialty and Willis Towers Watson.

Ms Crockwell said: “We are incredibly thankful to our sponsors and the wider community for standing with us and showing up for this important cause.

“This was the first of what we hope will be many annual events, and we are already planning for next year’s gala.

“The generosity and support shown by everyone involved will have a direct impact on the lives of women affected by domestic abuse in Bermuda.”

The WRC encouraged residents to consider donating to its Hardship Fund.

• For more information about the Women’s Resource Centre and its services, or to donate to the Hardship Fund, visitwww.wrcbermuda.com.