Domestic violence disrupts communities, destroys relationships, and harms many Bermudians each year.

It is a serious crime that takes many forms and it is a complex problem with multiple causes. Those abused can be children, siblings, spouses, or parents, and both victims and offenders come from all racial, social, religious, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.

Domestic violence is everyone's responsibility, and we urge you to become involved in the fight against this deadly epidemic by organising efforts in your own organisations.

The following is an ongoing, monthly calendar to help you to get started:

October 1st: Wear a purple ribbon during Domestic Violence Month. You can obtain a ribbon from The Physical Abuse Centre - #38 Mount Hill Road, Pembroke (Old Woodlands School Building).

October 2nd: Break the silence - talk about domestic violence.

October 3rd: Attend The Physical Abuse Centre's - Support Group (every Wednesday evening).

October 4th: Ask a person you know to tell you how violence has affected their life.

October 5th: Volunteer some time at The Physical Abuse Centre. Please call our Administrative office at 292-4366, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9am to 5pm.

October 6th: Write a letter to the editor about domestic violence and how you feel about it.

October 7th: Remove violence from your language.

October 8th: Observe an assault or stalking trial.

October 9th: Clip a newspaper article about domestic violence and discuss it at dinner.

October 10th: Refuse to watch anything on TV that portrays violence as entertainment.

October 11th: Attend the 'Violence with Youth Workshop' - sponsored by The Women's Resource Centre.

October 12th: Attend the 'Violence with Youth Workshop' - sponsored by The Women's Resource Centre.

October 13th: Call a radio talk show and give your opinion about domestic violence.

October 14th: Say a prayer for someone you know is in an abusive relationship.

October 15th: Honour a non-violent person.

October 16th: Declare your home a violence-free zone.

October 17th: Call 911 if you think it is necessary.

October 18th: Take a self-defence course.

October 19th: Volunteer or Support The Physical Abuse Centre's - Tag Day

October 20th: Volunteer or Support The Physical Abuse Centre's - Tag Day

October 21st: Light a candle in memory of someone lost to domestic violence.

October 22nd: Buy a non-violent toy for a child.

October 23rd: Honour a person who has survived violence in their life.

October 24th: Give up trying to control other people.

October 25th: Confront sexist jokes and sexual harassment in your workplace.

October 26th: Challenge anyone who thinks a person deserves to be abused.

October 27th: Close your eyes and imagine that the one you love is abusing you.

October 28th: Watch a movie on the Lifetime Channel about domestic violence.

October 29th: Think about how you define domestic violence.

October 30th: Donate funds to The Physical Abuse Centre to assist us in operating the only "Safe House" in Bermuda.

October 31st: Come and join us at The Physical Abuse Centre on your lunch hour and read a book about abuse from our library.

TO OUR READERS

If you think that violence doesn't affect each and every Bermudian across the island, you are very much mistaken.

If you think your voice doesn't have an impact, you are wrong - it does. We cannot continue to sit back watching and waiting for a miracle to happen, life doesn't work like that. Everybody must get involved and be a member of the team that puts an end to domestic violence. There is great strength in numbers, and if enough Bermudians come together and work for change we can all help to stop the Violence!!!"

Submitted by the Physical AbuseCentre

The Physical Abuse Centre is a part of The Family Resource Network, which consists of The Coalition for The Protection of Children, The Institute of Child and Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and The Fathers' Resource Centre. The agencies joined in 1988 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision.