Domestic abuse is so rife in Bermuda's homes that the Island's only shelter for victims routinely has to turn desperate women and their children away.

The level of violence has been steadily rising over the last few years, said Physical Abuse Centre chairman June Augustus, and is now near "unacceptable levels".

PAC's shelter can only accommodate up to 15 women and their children at one time but PAC is now planning an extension to the building which will double its capacity.

"Last year the shelter housed 69 women and 45 children suffering from domestic violence and the hotline received 547 calls," Mrs. Augustus said.

"Bermuda does have a domestic violence problem, and therefore has victims, who need help.

"This is primarily because the incidents of violence in the home are not abating and are spiralling to unacceptable levels.

"We wish we could just pray and have it go away. But, it is unrealistic to believe, if we put a little into the fight, as a community, we will solve the problem.

"We need more of a commitment than that."

PAC has been one of the leading organisations fighting the domestic abuse problem for 25 years.

For the bulk of that time it has made its spare resources work wonders.

Among its services are: professional counselling; a 24-hour victim's hotline; training programmes on dealing with domestic violence victims for Police and Reserve Police officers; public education campaigns about domestic violence at schools, churches and other organisations; legal advice; food and clothing hampers; referrals of victims of abuse for medical attention, employment, and housing; and, a volunteer programme.

PAC also runs a batterers' programme to help stamp out abuse.

And, most crucially, it operates the shelter ? Bermuda's only safe house for abused women.

As the organisation begins its 25th anniversary celebrations, it will simultaneously begin to expand the services it can offer abuse victims.

The planned extension to the shelter is expected to cost $1 million, Mrs. Augustus said.

It will add nine additional bedrooms, a dining room, living room, kitchen, extra bathrooms, improved storage and utility space, a laundry, a fully functional matron's quarters and more breathing room to the existing facility.

The new space is an invaluable gift for PAC as demand for the shelter is intimately tied to Bermuda's housing crisis.

Women suffering from domestic abuse in Bermuda often, literally, have nowhere else to go. They can not just "move out" of the abusive home.

"The housing crisis has directed many distressed and homeless women to our doorsteps," Mrs. Augustus said. "In some cases, we were able to provide temporary accommodations, while in other cases, these unfortunate persons, much to our dismay, had to be turned away.

"Our hearts went out to these women, because we already knew of the difficulties that many were having finding suitable or affordable housing, without the additional burden of recovery from domestic abuse.

"We have always been committed to providing a safe haven for victims of abuse and their children. But the housing situation in Bermuda has made us the only available resource of hope for some women, in their desperate bid for somewhere to call home."

PAC's services are maintained by a small staff, generous donors and a dedicated slate of volunteers.

On Saturday, the organisation will present a 'Silver Jubilee Angels Night' at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess to honour these individuals.

"Without them we would not be here," Mrs. Augustus said. "They are the people who continuously help throughout the year...

"Dunkley's Dairy provides milk. The Bermuda Bakery, which is going out of business, gives us bread everyday. A teacher and churches call us to ask what we need. People bring clothing, bleach, food and numerous other items.

"It is not always a case of people bringing us money and there are so many people that help, in fact they are too many to mention."

PAC is a member of the Family Resource Network Charitable Trust.

Mrs. Augustus said Saturday's celebration will feature singer Leeanne Davis, who has Bermudian roots, and is the sister of Barbara (Lovey) Wade.

Ms Davis has been singing since the age of six and has ministered both nationally and internationally. Also performing will be the United Dance Productions' Dancing Angels, Elton Richardson, the Progressive Ballroom Dance Group, and saxophonist Shine Hayward.

Photos will be by Rodney Trott, while Jonathan Trott will do the sound system and lighting for the event which will be decorated by HA&E Smith's window designer, Will Collison.

Tickets are available from PAC's office on Mount Hill Road, Pembroke.

Patrons tickets are $200 and regular tickets are $125.

For more information, please call 292-4366. All are invited to attend the formal event.