Opposition MP Kim Young has called on women to carry pepper and dye to help fight off attackers after Friday's murder of a young mother.

Mrs. Young who is Women's Affairs spokeswoman for the United Bermuda Party said violence against women appeared to be on the increase.

On Friday night, mother-of-three Chena Trott, 32, was stabbed to death at the Esso Tiger Market gas station in Crawl Hill in broad daylight.

A man, George (Messy) Liburd, 29, was arrested on Saturday, 24 hours after Ms Trott was stabbed. Contrary to broadcast news reports, he has not yet been charged in Magistrates' Court.

An autopsy report has yet to be carried out as a pathologist from abroad needs to be brought to the Island. Former Government Pathologist John Obafunwa, a Nigerian, quit his services three weeks ago.

Mrs. Young said: "The use of weapons such as knives, helmets etc. seems to be increasing causing severe bodily harm and now death.

"We must take deliberate steps to reduce violent behaviour and teach women to protect themselves.

"Violence against women knows no racial, economic or age barrier and we, as women, need to be aware of what's happening and be on the alert."

She advised women to carry a flashlight, a whistle, pepper and dye spray and have a cell phone close at hand.

But Police spokesperson Dwayne Caines yesterday reminded the public that pepper spray is illegal in Bermuda.

Mr. Caines said members of the public should check with Police before carrying any form of weapon for their own protection.

"People often believe sprays - which are used overseas - are legal in Bermuda," he said. "Just because it is legal overseas does not mean it is legal here. If you have any doubt, contact the Bermuda Police for clarification."

Meanwhile Ms Young urged women to be increasingly vigilant. "Believe it can happen to you and be ready," she said.

"Learn methods of self defence, don't be stupid if there are weapons involved and don't take chances.

"Stay away from dark, lonely places and look after your own safety as well as educate friends regarding safety."

The MP also said parents needed to educate children in non-violent environments.

She said: "If we believe violence is learned behaviour, we should provide a non-violent home life.

"We all know the cycle of abuse in homes and in our society will only be stopped with education and by leading by example.

"We have to act now so we don't create a new generation of violent families."

She said parents should not condone violence between siblings and non-abusive, non-demeaning language should always be used when dealing with spouses, friends and children.

Violence on TV desensitised children and children should be sheltered from music which degrades women said Mrs. Young.

She added that children should be taught to solve their differences without fighting and teachers should not dismiss playground scraps by saying "boys will be boys".

"We can help reduce the increasing violence in our Island by recognising that violence is a learned behaviour and therefore it can be unlearned or not learned at all."