A petition for an emergency shelter for women in Bermuda was launched at the Women’s Action Group’s gathering on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Park.

About 70 people came out to the event, which was held to mark the International Women’s March Anniversary.

Among the topics discussed were violence against women, sexual assault, the legal process and system, wage and equity gaps, abortion, protection orders, support and counselling services.

Dany Pen, a member of the Women’s Action Group and a Human Rights Commissioner said there is an urgent need for protection for women.

She told The Royal Gazette: “There is zero emergency haven for women but several for men. The Centre Against Abuse had to shut down the last shelter a few years ago. Teen services only caters up to the age of 25.

“In one week, seven cases of sexual assault are reported to the Women’s Action Group but all the women refuse to go to the police. There was also an emergency case over the holiday, where we had to seek shelter for a young woman and her two children trying to escape abuse.

“An emergency shelter for women is needed. There needs to be a safe place where women could go to in order to be protected and free from violence, abuse or threat.”

The next meeting for the Women’s Action Group is in February.

For more information or to sign the petition e-mail Sylvia Hayward-Harris at Shaywardharris@tm.org or Ms Pen at Dany.c.pen@gmail.com.