WRC Observes Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
Hamilton, Bermuda — October 1st, 2025 - October is Domestic Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month, and the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) is leading a month-long campaign to raise awareness, provide education, and strengthen support for survivors of domestic abuse in Bermuda.
Domestic abuse is an issue that affects both men and women. However, statistics consistently show that women are disproportionately impacted, both globally and locally. Around the world, one in three women will experience domestic abuse or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In Bermuda, this translates to approximately 27 percent of women, or nearly 7,000 individuals, who will experience abuse during their lives. Each year, an estimated 3,000 women in Bermuda are affected.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people in our community — our family members, coworkers, and friends,” said Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre. “Domestic abuse is not a private problem but a very public one, with consequences that ripple through the entire community. It contributes to cycles of violent crime, fuels mental health challenges, undermines family stability and economic security, and is both a cause and a consequence of housing insecurity. The Women’s Resource Centre remains committed to being a safe place where women can rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”
Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, the Women’s Resource Centre responded to 63 domestic abuse-related inquiries. Each call for help represents a woman navigating fear, isolation, and uncertainty. WRC continues to provide counselling, advocacy, and practical support to ensure that survivors are not left to walk their journey alone.
The cornerstone event of the month is the 2nd Annual Purple Thursday Gala, which will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Pier 6 Complex. This year’s Gala theme, From Awareness to Action, challenges the community to move beyond conversation and commit to meaningful change. The evening will feature keynote speaker McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, Women & Girls’ Advocate and founder of The Girl (Em)Power Project.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Ms. Tuckett said:
“This year's theme is a powerful reminder that no one should have to choose between safety and survival. It's time to move beyond conversation and take real steps toward creating lasting change in our community. It's not a responsibility that requires delegation solely to our political leaders or the police force. Domestic violence is a community issue, that bears collective responsibility.”
The Gala will include a cocktail reception, a four-course luxury dinner with wine pairing, and live entertainment by saxophonist Tino Martinez. Individual tickets are $250, and tables of 10 are available for $2,200.
All proceeds will directly support WRC’s Therapeutic Services Programme and Hardship Assistance Fund, which ensure that survivors of domestic abuse have access to confidential counselling and support groups to process trauma and rebuild emotional wellbeing, advocacy and safety planning to navigate legal and practical challenges, and financial assistance to meet urgent needs such as safe housing, food security, and transportation.
In addition to the Gala, WRC encourages the community to participate in Purple Thursday by wearing purple on October 16th and making a donation to support survivors. “Domestic abuse is a complex issue, but the first step is acknowledging its prevalence in our community,” added Crockwell. “The next step is action to ensure that every person affected has access to the support and resources she needs to live safely.”