Bermuda’s anti-abuse charities believe the latest health trends survey underestimates the true extent of people suffering behind closed doors.Health Minister Zane DeSilva said it was a “shocking statistic” that one in three people have been physically abused in the past year 30 percent of people rising from 23 percent in 2006.But the Centre Against Abuse and The Women’s Resource Centre believe the extent of domestic abuse in Bermuda is “so much higher” as most victims suffer in silence.The charities say abuse is a huge problem across our communities for both men and women and shows no sign of slowing down.They believe everyone has a part to play in eradicating abuse as every member of the community is a potential witness to what is going on.The health survey statistics were revealed during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, just days after The Royal Gazette reported that the Island’s only safe house for abused women and children had to open early to meet demand.Laurie Shiell, executive director of the Centre Against Abuse, said hearing the health survey results “does not shock us”. She said the global statistics for abuse were one in three women and one in six men.Ms Shiell said: “Physical, emotional, verbal, financial, and sexual abuse has been an evil in our society for many generations in many families in Bermuda, as well as families that have emigrated to Bermuda.“It is hard to get an honest statistic on abuse as many individuals, women and men, who are being abused do not want to make it known that they are living in a domestic abuse situation. And the statement that some victims have made to us is that the ‘behaviour’ is normal, as the abusive behaviours are not seen as abusive.”Elaine Williams, executive director at The Women’s Resource Centre, said stress levels in today’s social and economic society were further increasing the levels of abuse.She said: “We know that there is more abuse going on behind closed doors. Statistics show that a woman will be abused seven to eight times before she will leave her abuser, sometimes many more times.“Women stay in abusive relationships for several reasons including fear, embarrassment, low self esteem, lack of support, finances and because they are in love. When we see them it is usually already a pretty volatile situation or they may start the process and not follow through for any of the same reasons.”The Mindmaps phone study, commissioned by the Bermuda Health Council and Ministry of Health, examined the health and attitudes to healthcare of 801 adults. Both charities hope bringing domestic abuse to people’s attention will teach people that it is “everyone’s business”.It is said that we all play a part in ending abuse by reporting abusive situations and helping to fund programmes.However, both charities are struggling in the current economic climate even though they “remain blessed” that they still receive Government grants.Ms Shiell said: “If we do not run these programmes who will, what will happen to the women and the men who use our services, what will happen to the murder rate, what will happen to the children?”She added: “More neighbours, friends and family need to call the police and report domestic abuse; and more individuals need to stop placing the blame on the victim, and place the blame where it belongs, on the abuser for their abusive behaviours.“We do hope things will change, as that is the entire reason for our existing, and the vision of the Centre Against Abuse is to eliminate the need for our services by eradicating domestic abuse in Bermuda.”Ms Williams said The Women’s Resource Centre was now taking a “more proactive approach” to enable women to make better life choices.But she said they relied on Government, as well as donations from corporate and private donors to provide services.Ms Williams said: “The problem is large and it is going to take the whole village to make real change. As with all charities during these most challenging times, socially, economically and otherwise, we have had to design our services and programs according to the change that we see and become more creative in ensuring that we have the resources to provide the growing need for our services.”Shadow Health Minister Kathy Michelmore said: “The survey indicates that physical abuse has increased in our community. We recognise that this may be an increased prevalence, but may also represent a greater willingness of abused individuals to report incidents and seek help. In any case, the percentage is alarming and we urge individuals in abusive relationships to contact supportive agencies such as The Women’s Resource Centre and the Centre Against Abuse for assistance.”Senator Michelmore added that it was also “concerning” that the 2011 Health Survey highlighted improved eating habits and increased moderate physical activity had not translated into a reduction in diabetes, high cholesterol or hypertension.She said: “These chronic conditions are going to have a significant impact on the demands on our healthcare system and on healthcare costs as we move forwards. These concerns were noted again in August with BHeC projections for healthcare costs of 1.5 billion by 2020. The OBA believes that these results show us that we must do more to promote healthy lifestyles and significantly increased exercise, especially in children”.The Ministry of Health did not respond to requests by The Royal Gazette for comment on what was being done to try to lower the rate of domestic abuse here.