A national day of solidarity is to be held with the victims and survivors of domestic abuse next week.

Purple Thursday is held on the third Thursday of October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event encourages individuals and organisations to wear purple and illuminate buildings the same colour to honour those affected by domestic abuse and confront the silence that surrounds the issue.

Tammy Richardson-Augustus established Bermuda’s inaugural Purple Thursday observance in 2023 through theEmpty Chair installation, which she described as “a powerful symbol of the silence, isolation and loss that domestic abuse too often leaves in its wake”.

Since then, the campaign has seen increasing participation from the Government, schools, businesses, charities, faith-based organisations and community groups committed to raising awareness, supporting survivors and strengthening the national conversation around domestic abuse.

“Purple Thursday reminds us that domestic abuse is not a private issue but a community issue,” said Ms Richardson-Augustus.

“It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, acknowledge the work that still lies ahead in shaping a robust domestic abuse strategy and renew our commitment to creating environments where every individual can live free from fear, intimidation and harm.

“Awareness alone will not protect victims. We need comprehensive domestic abuse legislation. We need to recognise children exposed to domestic abuse as victims in their own right.

“We need age-appropriate, evidence-based relationship education in our schools.

“We need ongoing, best-in-class training for frontline professionals across the Department of Child and Family Services, the judiciary, the Bermuda Police Service, healthcare settings and all agencies that encounter victims and survivors.

“We also need greater accountability, sustained investment in legal and advocacy services, and a more robust, co-ordinated and trauma-informed response.

“Too many victims still face barriers when seeking protection, support and justice.”

Ms Richardson-Augustus said that domestic abuse is not inevitable but preventable with political will, institutional commitment and sustained investment.

“Purple Thursday is a call not only to remember, but to act. We have a clear duty to safeguard victims, survivors and their children.

“Together, we can help build safer homes, stronger families and healthier communities.”

Ms Richardson-Augustus noted that the consequences of domestic abuse are far-reaching.

She said research consistently demonstrates that abuse and other adverse childhood experiences are associated with lower educational attainment, adverse health outcomes and increased social challenges later in life.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, welcomed the continued focus on awareness and action.

“The Government remains committed to strengthening our response to domestic abuse, improving access to justice and ensuring that survivors are heard, protected and supported,” she said.

“I encourage all Bermudians to see the lighting of our island in purple not simply as a symbol, but as a reminder of our shared responsibility to prevent abuse, support survivors and build a safer Bermuda for everyone.”

The importance of education and early intervention is also reflected in the participation of Bermuda's schools with Mount Saint Agnes, Bermuda High School and Warwick Academy supporting the initiative.

Dave Horan, the principal of Warwick Academy, said: “As a private school with a public purpose, we believe we have a part to play in raising awareness.

“Through age-appropriate lessons, we will help our students understand what healthy, respectful relationships look like and why everyone deserves to feel safe.”

BHS students will wear purple hair ornaments as a visible expression of solidarity, take part in a Popsicle fundraiser in support of the campaign, and engage in educational sessions at the senior-school level focused on healthy relationships, respect and personal safety.

As part of the observance this year, on October 15 organisations across Bermuda are invited to light up their buildings and landmarks in purple, host awareness activities, support educational initiatives, and foster conversations that promote healthy, respectful relationships.

Residents were encouraged to donate to worthy causes and share messages of support using #PurpleThursdayBermuda.

Since its inception, Purple Thursday Bermuda has attracted support from a broad cross section of the community.

“Every purple light or article of purple clothing sends a message,” Ms Richardson-Augustus said.

“It is a visible declaration that victims and survivors are seen, believed and supported, and that lasting change demands collective action.

“Together, we can illuminate not only our buildings, but the path to safety, healing and hope.”