Organisations have been urged to drape or illuminate the island’s most significant buildings in purple next Thursday to transform the community into a civic canvas of remembrance and resolve for domestic abuse victims and survivors.

The campaign, co-ordinated by activist Tammy Richardson-Augustus, was designed to place a “bright spotlight” on domestic abuse, organisers said.

It is an expansion of an inaugural Purple Thursday event held in 2023, which was marked by the Empty Chair Campaign.

The event next week will be held under the theme “Silence to Light”, affirming a shared obligation to foster a culture of education, safety and institutional accountability.

The campaign seeks to elevate Purple Thursday to an island-wide movement, one that focuses on victims and survivors’ dignity, confronts institutional silence and signals Bermuda’s collective commitment to systemic reform, organisers said.

It has received support from the public and private sectors including the Government, the Bermuda Police Service, The Royal Gazette and One Communications.

It is also supported by the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the Argus Group, BF&M and the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, commended Ms Richardson-Augustus for her “commitment to illuminating the serious and pervasive issue of domestic abuse in our community”.

She said: “Domestic abuse is a national issue that affects far too many in our society and we must be willing to address it publicly and collaboratively.

“This initiative reflects the same spirit that underpins the Government’s commitment to domestic abuse reform — the recognition that survivors deserve swift access to justice, meaningful protection and the support needed to rebuild their lives.

“Lighting our island in purple is a visible symbol of that shared commitment.”

Jonathan Howes, the chief executive of Bermuda Press Holdings Ltd, the parent company of The Royal Gazette, reflected on the organisation’s support for the campaign.

He said: “Each day, The Royal Gazette aims to shine a light into dark corners to educate and inform our community.

“The profound impact that domestic violence has here in Bermuda cannot be ignored or hidden in silence.

“Raising awareness and ensuring that we understand our collective responsibility to address the issues surrounding domestic violence is something we are proud to support.”

The Right Reverent Nicholas Dill, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, said that people affected by abuse must be able to speak out on the issue.

He said: “Domestic abuse is a hidden scourge on our community — experienced by one to three persons with devastating consequences on the emotional, physical and spiritual health not just of the victim but those who witness it or live with them, including the most vulnerable and impressionable, our children.”

Bishop Dill said that the incidence and prevalence of abuse affected every type of household and family situation, rather than a particular group.

He added: “Our systems do not adequately support those who suffer and its negative effects ripple outward — manifesting in poor self image and self harm, drug taking and sexual behaviours, solace in gang culture, animal cruelty and relational complexity, and other trauma-related responses.”

“As a community we need to ensure that people feel able to speak, that we recognise the signs of domestic abuse and provide robust protection and support.”

Bishop Dill said there was no justification for abuse in the home and this month he urged residents to educate themselves on the issue.

He called upon the public to “take the lid off this scourge in our community and bring to light the problem and solutions — helping us all to live without fear”.