Madeline Brockert, a victim of abuse, will share her story of survival as part of a domestic violence talk organised by Tammy Richardson-Augustus and Bermuda Is Love at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute this month.

Thirteen years ago, at the age of 16, Ms Brockert lost her mother, Susan Brockert, to domestic violence. Since then, she has been on a mission to raise awareness about abuse.

Tammy Richardson-Augustus, a campaigner and researcher on domestic abuse, is making steady efforts to bring life-saving relationship education to the island. This event is just one element of the campaign.

Ms Brockert and Ms Richardson-Augustus connected during an abuse awareness event and are committed to working together to effect systemic change.

“The event will be a synchronistic collaboration with Bermuda Is Love, and we are thrilled to have our education talk promoted as part of their #HealthIsWealth campaign,” Ms Richardson Augustus said.

“We will use the power of storytelling to show the humanity of the victims and to convey that abuse is a public health concern given the various health and social problems identified as consequences of domestic abuse.”

This month,Bermuda Is Love launched the #HealthIsWealth campaign and will host a series of active and educational events throughout the month. The first event, a walk with the Walking Club of Bermuda, took place on Sunday.

Upcoming events include a yoga class, a health screening, blood donation drive, talk-show interview and a panel discussion on the right to healthcare.

The goal of the #HealthIsWealth campaign is “to advocate for the right to healthcare and encourage all Bermudians to live healthy lifestyles”.

Aaron Chrichlow, from Bermuda Is Love, noted the importance of the domestic violence talk.

“Addressing domestic violence is integral to upholding the right to healthcare,” Mr Chrichlow said.

“By recognising domestic violence as a public-health issue and prioritising comprehensive strategies for prevention, invention and support, we can work towards ending the cycle of abuse and promoting the health and wellbeing of survivors and communities.”

In light of Teen Dating Awareness Month, the event on February 16 will also include a short film on a child’s experience of abuse. The audience at the event will also hear from Jevon Williams, the chairman of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, and McKenzie-Kohl H Tuckett.

The domestic violence talk will take place at the BUEI in the Tradewinds Auditorium from 6pm to 8pm. Those wishing to attend must RSVP by e-mailing gemma@whitfield.bm.

• For more information on the #HealthIsWealth campaign and events, e-mail bermudaislove@gmail.com