Women unite to address domestic violence
Representatives of agencies from across the island met to address domestic violence issues and support for women and children who have been abused.
The event on November 25 marked the start of 16 days of activism in recognition of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, a government spokeswoman said.
Participants were drawn from several organisations, including the Bermuda Police Service, Women’s Resource Centre, Gender Affairs Council, Centre Against Abuse, and Child and Family Services.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and several government senators took part in the talks.
Ms Furbert said: “This is not just a women’s issue — it is a societal issue that demands urgent action from every sector.
“The dedication and expertise brought to this round table by such a diverse group of leaders is an encouraging step towards meaningful change.”
The spokeswoman said the focus group represented Bermuda’s commitment to align with global efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Participants in Monday’s event discussed several key points. They included:
• Violence against women and children and the need for robust intervention and support mechanisms
• The introduction of a domestic abuse court to ensure justice and tailored responses for survivors
• Addressing gender-based violence, workplace bullying and harassment through policy reform and awareness campaigns
• The long-term impact of trauma and the importance of building a trauma-informed response system
• Appropriate training for law enforcement officers to enhance their ability to support victims compassionately and effectively
• The importance of changing the messenger and expanding the narrative to involve more voices to identify and address abuse. Inclusion of male voices/male allies
• Public training initiatives aimed at empowering individuals to recognise signs of abuse and provide meaningful support to survivors
They are also committed to building a future where every individual has the right to safety, dignity and equality.
She said: “The outcomes of this discussion will inform future policies and programmes designed to address domestic violence and gender-based abuse in Bermuda, ensuring that survivors receive the justice, support and empowerment they need to rebuild their lives.”
The 16 days of activism campaign continues through to December 10, which is declared Human Rights Day by the UN.
It calls on individuals and communities to stand in solidarity against all forms of violence and promote a culture of equality and respect.
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