Government senator Lindsay Simmons has described domestic abuse as “a national crisis”.

The Junior Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors spoke out after revealing that there had been six cases of domestic abuse reported to the police in the past two weeks.

Speaking during the motion to adjourn in the Senate sitting yesterday, Ms Simmons, a victim of domestic abuse, said: “I rise today not only as a senator but as a survivor.

“Twenty years ago, my life changed for ever. I was sexually assaulted, I was stabbed and I could have died.

“But I survived and because I survived, I have a responsibility, a voice.

“I will use that voice today to speak out, not just for myself but for every woman, man and child suffering silently in abusive homes across the island.

“Domestic abuse is not just a private matter. It is a national crisis and we can no longer afford silence. We cannot be complacent with our inaction.”

Revealing that there had been six assaults reported to the police this month — two verbal, four physical — Ms Simmons said: “Numbers do not lie.

“One case is one too many. Six in only 15 days is deeply alarming and we must ask ourselves how many more incidents go unreported? How many victims are afraid to call for help, especially when their abusers control the money, the home or the children?”

Ms Simmons said that many abusers had the power to “bury” their victims in legal battles. “Justice should not be for sale,” she added.

“Survivors are made to feel powerless at every turn. I just want to give my personal take on being questioned by the police. When we feel the courts fail us. When we feel we have no safe place to go, why we are being financially bullied.

“I do think that from 21 years ago to now we have shifted and we are speaking more about it.

“But people have to feel safe and I believe we are moving in the right direction to help people feel safe, to speak about these stories, because I know first-hand. I’m here today in this chamber because someone believed in me, because I fought to reclaim my life — because I had to.”

During the session, Ms Simmons delivered a statement confirming the appointment of a domestic abuse specialist by the Government to help tackle the issue.

She told the Senate: “In April 2025, the ministry hired Bermuda’s first certified domestic abuse liaison social worker, a specialist with over four years of hands-on experience supporting high-risk victims of abuse.”

In the motion to adjourn, she said: “I am proud that today in this chamber I was able to report on the domestic abuse specialist. It is definitely a critical and vital role that will strengthen how we identify and support and respond to victims that are survivors.

“This government is taking steps in the right direction. This is not just about raising awareness, it is about action. Violence begins long before the first punch is thrown, before the first person screams in your face.”

Ms Simmons said that it was important for young people to be taught about healthy relationships and consent.

She said: “Let’s break the cycle before it begins. The fight against domestic abuse is not just a personal one, it is a universal one, and it is time for this senate to act with urgency and unity.

“Let’s be the generation of leaders who did not turn away. Let’s be the parliament that passes laws with teeth, heart and humanity. Let’s protect the vulnerable and prosecute the violent, because Bermuda is too small for silence.

“We need to stop asking ‘why didn’t she leave’ and start asking ‘what has failed her’?

“If courts are used as weapons, we must balance the scales. I say we stand up together and combat domestic violence.”