DOMESTIC violence in Bermuda is rife, but only a small percentage of cases are reported to police, writes Tricia Walters. Since 1996 only 600 reports have been filed as many women remain silent, enduring years of abuse and violence.

One organisation trying to stamp out physical and sexual abuse is the Physical Abuse Centre, which offers women and children a safe haven by means of a shelter and counselling.

The Centre, which opened in 1979, also maintains a 24-hour hotline manned by crisis counsellors and provides an abuse-free programme for perpetrators of domestic violence.

A week ago the Centre held its first annual fundraising luncheon which was attended by around 120 people.

Guests were left speechless following a riveting first-hand account of physical abuse by the guest speaker, Dr. Judith Bartley (pictured)<$> , who is deputy senior education officer at the Department of Education.

Dr. Bartley endured years of violent abuse in a loveless marriage which ended in 1984. Her emotional story will be told in full in theMid-Ocean News next week.

The Centre can be contacted at 292-4366 or e-mail at physicalabuse@ibl.bm or on its 24-hour hotline at 297-8278.

Breaking silence