An advocacy group has announced an event this month to spread awareness about domestic abuse.

The Women’s Resource Centre will host the second annual Purple Thursday Gala to mark Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.

The event will coincide with a fundraiser encouraging people to wear purple to highlight abuse awareness.

Juanae Crockwell, the executive director of the WRC, said: “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 space where women can rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”

The charity acknowledged that domestic abuse affected men and women but added that it disproportionately impacted women on the island and globally.

It said that one in three women around the world would experience domestic abuse or violence in her life.

In Bermuda, it added, about 27 per cent of women and almost 7,000 people would experience domestic abuse throughout their lives.

The centre said that about 3,000 women in Bermuda were affected by domestic abuse each year.

It added that between April 1, 2024, and March 31 this year, the WRC responded to 63 domestic abuse-related inquiries.

Ms Crockwell said: “These statistics are not just numbers. They represent real people in our community — our family members, coworkers and friends.”

The gala this year will have the theme “From Awareness to Action” and will task the public with helping to make changes.

It will include a cocktail reception, a four-course luxury dinner and wine pairing, and live music with saxophonist Tino Martinez.

McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, the founder of the Girl (Em)Power Project, will serve as the gala’s keynote speaker.

She said that the theme this year was a reminder that “no one should have to choose between safety and survival”.

Ms Tuckett added: “It’s time to move beyond conversation and take real steps towards 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.”

Individual tickets for the gala are $250, while tables of ten are available for $2,200.

All proceeds will go towards the WRC’s therapeutic services programme and hardship assistance fund, which offer confidential aid to people navigating or leaving abusive relationships.

The WRC also encouraged people to take part in Purple Thursday by wearing purple on October 16 and making a donation to support survivors.

“Domestic abuse is a complex issue,” Ms Crockwell said, “but the first step is acknowledging its prevalence in our community.

“The next step is action to ensure that every person affected has access to the support and resources she needs to live safely.”

The second annual Purple Thursday Gala will be held on October 16 at Pier Six in Hamilton.

• For information or to buy tickets, visit the Women’s Resource Centre’s website or call 295-3882