A parenting workshop and a day of awareness and fundraising for the Women’s Resource Centre are being offered as the island joins the global recognition of October as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.

The WRC emphasised that the topic went beyond physical violence to encompass “emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and technology-facilitated” abuse.

It added: “It can also involve coercive control — a pattern of behaviour used to intimidate, isolate or control another person and gradually limit their independence.”

Juanae Crockwell, the executive director of the WRC, said domestic abuse does not always come with visible signs.

She explained: “Sometimes it looks like controlling someone’s finances, monitoring their phone or location, isolating them from friends and family, constantly undermining their confidence or using fear and intimidation to control their choices.”

Barriers to leaving a bad relationship can include concerns about safety, children, housing, finances, isolation and fear of what may happen following separation — with abuse able to continue in some cases after the relationship has ended.

On October 15, individuals and groups are encouraged to wear purple to show solidarity and raise awareness for Purple Thursday.

The WRC also called on the community to donate in support of services for women affected by domestic abuse.

On October 22, a workshop designed for women navigating parenting with a present or former abusive partner will be offered by the WRC.

“Coparenting Through Abuse” is hosted by Camille Creary, a WRC case manager, and offered as a virtual session at 12.30pm via Zoom and an in-person session at 6pm at the WRC in Sophia House in Hamilton.

It will explore support and resources, ongoing coercive control, communication and documentation, safety planning, parenting arrangements, navigating Family Court and child-welfare processes, and the impact of abusive dynamics on children.

Registration for limited spaces is available via www.wrcbermuda.com.