Bermuda joins global campaign against gender-based violence
Bermuda is joining millions of people worldwide to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to combat the “prevalent crisis” of the crime — a violation of human rights that affects women, men and gender minorities such as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 16 days span from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — observed tomorrow — and includes World AIDS Day on December 1, International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 and Human Rights Day on December 10.
The theme under United Nations Women is #NoExcuse which aims to provide an opportunity for a call to action to end violence in all its forms.
Laurie Shiell, the executive director of the Centre Against Abuse, said: “Although women and girls are the main victims of gender-based violence, it also causes severe harm to families and communities, and we must come together as a collective to end gender-based violence.
“The term gender-based violence is used to describe crimes such as sexual assault, domestic abuse and stalking, which are overwhelmingly carried out by men against women.
“While this is a continuing symptom of historical inequalities of power and control that exist in society, we, the masses, have the collective influence and authority to end gender-based violence by utilising our voices in every facet of society to speak out when we see the continuance of these forms of discrimination.
“CAA wants citizens, the Government and institutions to take concrete actions to catalyse change and end gender-based violence.”
Ms Shiell said the CAA is calling for a culture shift.
She said the charity was pleased with the establishment of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committee, made up of the Department of Child and Family Services, Ageing and Disability Services, the Bermuda Police Service and CAA.
The group reviews high-risk domestic abuse matters to increase safety for victims and intervention services for perpetrators.
Ms Shiell added: “Bermuda is small enough that we can create change at a greater pace when everyone is committed to the cause.
“Education plays a crucial role in preventing gender-based violence.
“By raising awareness about the dynamics of power and control, stereotypes about gender, and the rights of individuals, the 16 Days of Activism encourages people to understand the root causes of gender-based violence.
“It fosters a culture of respect for all, along with equality, teaching future generations about healthy relationships and mutual consent.”
Domestic violence and intimate partner violence:
One of the most common forms of gender-based violence is domestic violence. This includes physical, emotional and financial abuse that often occurs behind closed doors.
It is vital for society to shift its attitude towards this issue, encouraging victims to speak out and creating a support system that prioritises their safety, and we must hold abusers accountable and teach our children about signs of power and control and how to spot the signs early and remove themselves safely.
Sexual violence and harassment:
Sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault, remains a significant challenge. This issue is particularly prevalent in workplaces, schools and public spaces, where victims often feel helpless or too afraid to report their experiences.
Cat calling and women feeling unsafe to be alone in public can no longer be tolerated and must be eliminated. Harassment also now includes utilising technology to monitor, stalk, harass and instil fear.
Holistic laws must be implemented with penalties and reformation opportunities for the abusers.
Access to justice and legal reforms:
An essential part of addressing gender-based violence is ensuring that survivors have access to justice. In Bermuda our legal systems often leave victims feeling revictimised.
We must implement laws that maintain the safety of a victim at the core and introduce policies that support victims through accessible reporting channels and judicial procedures.
* Provided by the Centre Against Abuse
The charity said that ending the violence needs to be a community effort and that the Government must ensure the enforcement of laws that protect people while holding perpetrators accountable.
It said educational institutions, civil society and corporations must work together to create safe environments through policies and procedures, while individuals must hold themselves responsible.
Ms Shiell added: “The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence reminds us of the power of solidarity in the fight against violence.
“Whether through grass roots activism, advocacy for better policies or supporting survivors directly, every action counts.
“The goal is clear — to create a Bermuda where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated and is eliminated.
“CAA has designed a calendar of actionable ideas that everyone can do to bring awareness to ending gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism.
“CAA encourages everyone to begin this practice of activism during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, to create a lifestyle of ensuring the equality of all, ending power dynamics that discriminate against the vulnerable and upholding everyone as equal humans with inalienable rights.”
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