A community group’s call to action heard “courageous” accounts from families on the front lines of gun violence in Bermuda.

Attendees at the Family Forum public gathering heard of the impact of adverse childhood experiences and broken homes in driving antisocial behaviour — as well as ways to tackle the root causes of violence.

Thania Redman, the group’s chairwoman, told The Royal Gazette: “Mothers, fathers and grandparents of slain loved ones were present.

“They stood up and told their stories and expressed concern. We had individuals who also, in their own words, ‘ran the streets’.”

She added: “We had every demographic present who experienced the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one — Black, Portuguese, White were all present to have the conversation.

“We were sincerely thanked by them for starting the conversation at the grassroots level.”

Panellists Dorian Tucker, Ernest Peets and Anthony Bascome joined Family Forum, which was established by the late Family Centre founder and executive director Martha Dismont.

Their audience included Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, and Leroy Bean, the head of the Gang Violence Reduction Team, with activists and social commentators.

The public forum, held at the Whitney Institute Middle School on July 10, was in response to what organisers called “the troubling rise in gun violence on the island”.

The group said the evening “served as a powerful platform for open conversation, healing and a renewed commitment to community action”.

Mr Tucker, a former prison officer and a motivational speaker, spoke on “the critical role of the home environment and family unit, issuing a heartfelt challenge to the men of Bermuda to lead by example”.

Dr Peets, founder of the counselling group Masc, “affirmed the importance of men engaging in honest, vulnerable conversations as a path to healing”.

He also highlighted how adverse childhood experiences often underpinned the antisocial behaviour seen in adults as well as young people.

Family Forum said the third panellist, Mr Bascome, an educational therapist at Success Academy, invited attendees to “listen to and truly see the island’s young people”.

Mr Bascome added: “These are their most impressionable years.

“As parents and adults, we must meet them where they are, build trust and guide them towards better choices.

“There are no bad children, only bad decisions.”

Kenlyn Smith, a vice-chairwoman of Family Forum, said: “We were extremely pleased to see this conversation recognised for the national priority that it is.”

Among attendees were Robert King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, and activist Glenn Fubler.

Ms Smith added: “We were especially moved by the courageous participation of mothers and fathers directly affected by gun violence.

“Their stories brought a powerful and emotional depth to the discussion.”

Stephanie Guthman, a psychologist and former director of specialised training and assessment at Family Centre, is also coauthor of a study on adverse childhood experiences.

Dr Guthman said: “Since introducing Aces to Bermuda, it has been inspiring to witness the island’s growing focus on addressing root causes and finding meaningful ways to heal and support those affected.

“This work is vital, and I’m proud that Family Forum continues to play a role in these efforts.”

Ms Redman told attendees to “be the change we want to see”.

She added: “Whether at home, in school or in the workplace, everyone has a role to play in healing our community.”

Ms Redman said that future sessions were expected to continue promoting community engagement, resources for healing and “actionable steps”.

The next panel discussion is expected to take place in September.