Charity to highlight domestic abuse issue
A charity plans to spread awareness about domestic abuse and sexual assaults this month.
Laurie Shiell, the executive director of the Centre Against Abuse, encouraged people to recognise October as Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, adding that the organisation will also highlight its achievements over the past three years during the month.
One accomplishment was working with the British charity Safelives to create a plan that addressed domestic abuse on the island, which was supported by the Bermuda Police Service, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, and the Department of Child and Family Services.
It included an island-wide survey that showed that 13 per cent of women in Bermuda experienced domestic abuse.
The CAA also formed the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference with the BPS, DCFS and Ageing and Disability Services this year.
Ms Shiell said: “MARAC meets regularly to review the highest-risk domestic abuse cases in Bermuda with the aim to better safeguard survivors, address the behaviours of perpetrators, make connections for public protection arrangements and safeguard agency staff.”
For every dollar spent on MARAC, she added, $6 of public money is saved on costs to agencies such as the police or health services.
The Centre Against Abuse has helped more than 100 adult survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and 144 of their families, since January.
The organisation also trained 272 people through its various programmes and spread its message to thousands others through a radio, newspaper, television and social media presence.
CAA trained 114 police officers about responding to domestic abuse situations in August and will be working with the Department of Child and Family Services next month.
The charity is also focused on developing a shared understanding and language around domestic abuse and ensuring that survivors feel believed when seeking support.
• To learn more about the charity and the training it provides to individuals and companies, call 292-4366, e-mail info@centreagainstabuse.bm, visit centreagainstabuse.bm or CAA’s Facebook or Instagram pages
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