Latest phase of ‘Stop the Violence’ campaign features interviews with young Bermudians, and a focus on addressing mental health
Growing from boy to man after losing a father to violence.
Drawn to a dark path, until boxing provided new purpose.
…just two of the stories told in a new online series of interviews with young Bermudian men who have faced loss, violence and recovery.
‘Echoes Like Us’ is the latest phase of Government’s Stop the Violence campaign that uses storytelling and creative media to raise awareness and promote healing, with the aim of shifting the culture around violence in Bermuda.
The first two full interviews, with pro boxer Adrian Roach and Insurance professional Shiloh Todd, are available on the Stop the Violence youtube channel, with clips from other interviews already on their other social media pages.
Mr Todd lost his father to violence at 3 years old, and he talks about the mentorship that helped him when he started becoming angry and violent in his middle school years.
He says he is speaking out now in hope that it will help others like him, and stop the cycle of violence.
“There are a lot of people that are going through what I went through,” he says, “and I want them to know that there’s better… the past don’t define you.”
“What happened to your loved one don’t define you. It hurts, but it gets better, with the people you surround yourself with and the choices you make.”
“I don’t want more young people to go and do bad things… I don’t want the cycle to keep going where someone’s hurt, they take someone out, and that person’s hurt – and then the cycle keeps going.”
Another phase of the campaign, ‘Break the Silence’, will launch in November, aiming to break the stigma around therapy and mental health.
Visit stoptheviolencebda.com for more on the campaign.
Government of Bermuda press release below:
The Ministry of National Security, through its Gang Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) and in partnership with 7 South Productions, continues to lead the Stop the Violence Campaign, a cornerstone of Bermuda’s National Violence Reduction Strategy.
This ongoing national initiative uses storytelling, partnership, and creative media to raise awareness, promote healing, and strengthen community unity.
Since its inception, the campaign has delivered several major milestones, including the Campaign Launch, the Youth Rise Against Violence Conference, and the Youth Campaign Videos, each amplifying real voices and lived experiences to shift the culture around violence and prevention in Bermuda.
Now, the Ministry has launched the next chapter: “Echoes Like Us: Real Men. Real Stories. Still Here.” This bold, emotionally charged storytelling series spotlights young Bermudian men who have faced loss, violence, and recovery.
Through intimate interviews and cinematic visuals, Echoes Like Us captures raw truths about pain, resilience, and hope, creating space for healing and dialogue across the island.
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, said: “This campaign captures what Bermuda needs most right now, truth, compassion, and connection.
“Stop the Violence and Echoes Like Us remind us that prevention starts with understanding, empathy, and community. These are real people telling real stories, and their courage is helping us build safer, stronger communities across Bermuda.”
Next Phase: “Break the Silence” – Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Launching in late November, the upcoming Break the Silence campaign will focus on mental health, healing, and emotional resilience, particularly among youth, young adults, and Black men. The initiative aims to:
- Break stigma around therapy and mental health
- Connect the dots between violence, trauma, and emotional wellness
- Highlight local therapists, pastors, and mentors as relatable role models
- Provide actionable tools for managing stress, anger, and depression
Dion Green, Art Director 7 South Productions, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Ministry on a project that reaches and touches the lives of so many.
“While filming, it’s been emotional, real, and at times hard, but the power of storytelling is undeniable. The campaign’s impact, both in numbers and in reach, is like nothing I’ve seen before.”
Campaign Reach & Community Impact
The Stop the Violence Campaign continues to expand its visibility and impact across Bermuda, with over 300,000+ video views across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Pastor Leroy Bean, Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator, shared: “I encourage people to sit down with their kids and watch these campaigns, talk about them, share them with others, and have real, hard, honest conversations with each other and within our families.
“These stories are meant to move us toward understanding and action. I also want to thank the more than 100 people who have participated in the campaign’s efforts so far, your voices and courage are what make this movement real.”
The Ministry encourages the public to check out the campaign videos, share them, and start the conversation.
