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Thank you Minister Furbert and good morning everyone. I want to begin by acknowledging how important it is that we come together publicly to talk about domestic abuse. This is not an easy subject. It is deeply personal, and for too many people, it is a painful reality they are living with right now. But that is exactly why we must continue to bring it into the open. This month gives us the opportunity to shine a light on an issue that I believe, quite frankly, has lived in the shadows for too long. We are here not only to raise awareness but to show that this government is taking deliberate, practical steps to strengthen how Bermuda responds to domestic abuse. For me, this issue goes well beyond my role as Attorney General. Yes, my Ministry is responsible for legislation and justice policy, but I also know the human cost of domestic abuse is felt long before anyone enters a courtroom. It affects children, families, entire communities. Our response must be both compassionate and coordinated, and informed by those who experience it. Earlier this year, we took an important step in that direction with the creation of the Domestic Abuse Reform Steering Committee, or DARSC – a robust cross-ministry, cross-department initiative. Let me make it clear that this is not just another government committee. Rather, it is a group of senior people from across the justice system, social services, the Bermuda Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Financial Assistance, Department of Child and Family Services and other agencies who are working together with one clear purpose: to strengthen how Bermuda prevents, responds to, and ultimately reduces domestic abuse. This committee has been structured around two working groups, one looking closely at the legal and procedural side, and the other focused on social services, housing, health, and community education. That combination matters. It means we’re not only looking at how the system responds after harm is done, but how we can make it easier for victims to access help and for families to rebuild their lives. Some of the key areas they’re already focused on include developing new legislative proposals, including potential changes to the Criminal Code and the creation of a Domestic Abuse Act as well as changes to the Financial Assistance regulations to close the gaps where victim- survivors are left without resources. They are looking at how we can strengthen protection for victims and witnesses, and how domestic abuse cases are handled in family court, especially when children are involved. They are also working to improve coordination between agencies so that when someone comes forward for help, they aren’t left to navigate the system on their own. We also want to expand treatment programmes for offenders and training for the professionals who interact with victims and families. Because responding effectively is not just about laws. It is also about people, about building trust and ensuring that when victims do seek help, they are met with understanding and action. This work is closely connected to the 5-Year Domestic Abuse Strategic Plan, which Minister Furbert has spoken about. The research behind the Strategic Plan established the necessity of this Committee. It is intended to reduce silos so that we can get every single Government resource on the same page at the same time to ensure a continuum of care – from support through legal proceedings to healthcare, from financial assistance to housing support. Domestic abuse is a complex cultural issue within Bermuda – far too many families are affected and as we confront the problems of national violence, we must understand that domestic abuse is one root cause. Addressing the origins and providing support means we not only help a family in immediate crisis, but prevent further harm being inflicted on our community in the future. I want to acknowledge the dedication of our community partners, including the Women’s Resource Centre and the Centre Against Abuse, who have long been on the front lines of this issue. Their input has helped to shape the direction of this work, and their continued partnership will be essential to its success. We are also making progress on establishing a dedicated Domestic Violence Court. This is an important development that will ensure these cases are handled more sensitively and more efficiently, and that victims receive timely support and fast-tracked trials. All of this matters because behind every statistic, every policy, and every piece of legislation, there are real people. There are women and men who have endured harm, and children who have witnessed it. There are families trying to rebuild from the ashes of immediate and generational trauma. This is why I am so personally invested in this issue. Domestic abuse is not something we can accept as inevitable. It is something we must confront, together, with urgency and purpose. October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, but our work will not end when the month does. And so, this is a long-term commitment. It will take sustained effort from government, from community partners, and from the public. And if we do this well, we will help create a safer, more supportive Bermuda for everyone.
