Addressing the cost of living and creating affordable housing should be priority items in the Budget, the Women’s Resource Centre has said.

Juanae Crockwell, the executive director for the charity, said a survey of its clients in 2023 highlighted two main social issues impacting women in Bermuda — the cost of goods and services and the lack of affordable housing.

Ms Crockwell, who was speaking ahead of today’s national Budget, said: “As such, we would be encouraged to see the Budget reflect an intentional effort to address those two challenges.

“We are hoping to see the Government commit to further tax reform that will allow employees to take home a greater percentage of their earnings and lower the cost of essential goods. We would also be encouraged by continued investment in affordable housing.

“Funding for organisations, like the Women's Resource Centre, that provide access to mental health services would be welcomed, as women in Bermuda continue to report high levels of anxiety, among other mild to moderate mental health challenges, associated with the current economic crisis."

Laurie Shiell-Smith, the executive director for the Centre Against Abuse, said: “Centre Against Abuse has been appreciative of the support that we have received from the Government over the years.

“Specifically, over the past two years CAA has worked very closely with minister Tinée Furbert along with the Commissioner of Police [Darrin Simons] to improve responses to domestic abuse survivors and to reduce domestic abuse in Bermuda.

“CAA has seen an increase in the use of our services over the years and has become the island's authority on the topic of domestic abuse.

“We are hopeful for the continued support of the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors so that CAA can continue working to improve the safety and response to survivors of domestic abuse and expand awareness to our community to reduce incidences of abuse in the future for Bermuda.”

The Centre Against Abuse provides crisis support services to adult male and female victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, while the Women’s Resource Centre provides women with the support and resources to “thrive and achieve a healthy, joyful and successful life”.

Both Ms Crockwell and Ms Shiell-Smith recently participated in an online panel about domestic abuse hosted by Carla Zuill, the founder of the Women’s Empowerment Summit, and the founder and editor of SheHubTV.

The charity leaders highlighted the “tremendous” work of Petrice Madeiros, the police domestic violence liaison officer.

However, Ms Crockwell said there remained “gaps” in legislation.

She said: “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.”

The Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference, a 2022-23 Throne Speech initiative, formed a collaborative to address domestic violence.

Participants include the Bermuda Police Service Vulnerable Persons Unit, the Department of Child and Family Services, support services including the Centre Against Abuse, the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies that have knowledge of or work with victims.