Police are getting between five and ten calls a night involving domestic violence, according to a local women's charity.

Kathy Harriott, executive director of the Women's Resource Centre (WRC), told The Royal Gazette: "It's not all violence against women but five to ten calls per night — that's crazy!

"The scale of the problem here is at least equal to other places and possibly more but we don't know. Not everyone phones the Police and not everyone phones the Women's Resource Centre."

The issue of violence against women — both in Bermuda and abroad — will be highlighted next week by the WRC and Amnesty International as part of their joint celebrations for International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

A fundraising evening at Rock Island Cafe will take place this coming Monday and on Friday, March 6 there will be a display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library in Hamilton featuring graphic posters of women being stoned to death in Iran.

Lucy Attride-Stirling, executive director of Amnesty, said: "We are going to have letters of appeal about different cases in different parts of the world and we are going to have some posters that some people might find offensive because they are quite graphic.

"But I think it's necessary to actually see what these people have gone through. This is killing; this is the death penalty. People can come in their lunch hour and see for themselves and sign a petition."

She cited the case last year of a 13-year-old rape victim who was stoned to death in Iran for "adultery" as just one shocking example of barbarity towards women overseas. "She could not prove it was rape so she was accused of having sex outside of marriage. The stoning, it's really awful to see it — it's terrible but it's true."

The display, on the library porch on Queen Street, will have information on domestic violence here and elsewhere in the world.

The WRC, based on Reid Street, which helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, has had more than 400 new clients and provided 750 follow-up appointments for women in the last three years.

Ms Harriott said its helpline received 418 calls during that period and 244 files were opened in its court advocate programme.

"In addition, we have issued over 160 legal remedies, such as domestic violence orders and summary offence letters, for our clients."

Monday night's event, 'A Tribute to Women', will feature jazz singer Gita Blakeney-Saltus and accompanist Tony Bari, along with surprise guests.

It will take place between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and there will be wine and cheese. Women attending are asked to make a contribution of $25, with the proceeds to be split between the centre and Amnesty.

Ms Harriott said: "It's an opportunity for women to celebrate and honour women. There may be some poetry readings, as well as the musical entertainment."

On March 6, companies are urged to encourage their employees to wear denim and purple — the colour of female empowerment — and raise money for the two charities.

l For more information visit www.wrcbermuda.com, www.internationalwomensday.com and www.amnesty.org