A specialized Domestic Violence Court is set to open next month, to deliver swifter hearings and resolutions for victims.
The initiative comes amid alarming statistics, with nearly one-third of cases handled by the Department of Public Prosecutions involving domestic violence.
Between January 1 and November 30 of this year, 140 Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) were issued. It marks a significant increase compared to previous years: 80 orders were issued in 2023, while 91 were granted in 2022.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilkerson revealed these figures in the Senate, describing domestic violence as a “public health crisis,” noting that recent reports only capture part of the problem, and that, “many people in the community continue to suffer in silence”.
Her remarks came alongside an update on the Domestic Abuse Court Programme, which is expected to pilot next month. She described its impending launch as a turning point for how Bermuda addresses this critical issue.
“From that moment, the courts will begin handling domestic violence cases with more urgency and a deeper focus on the issue that it demands,” she said. “The principal intent underpinning any Domestic Violence Court Programme is to try to resolve cases faster, provide early intervention, provide better risk assessment, and provide better support to women and men in our community through community agencies and safety supports.”
Senator Wilkerson outlined several key components of the new court framework:
- Faster implementation of protection orders
- Possibly allowing police officers to apply for protection orders on behalf of survivors
- Introducing evidence-based prosecutions that do not rely solely on survivor testimony – in order to reduce further trauma for victims
- Exploring a version of Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to inquire about a partner’s history of domestic abuse – a law that has seen success in the UK
Additionally, Senator Wilkerson emphasized the need to hold perpetrators accountable, adding that sentencing guidelines will be reviewed to ensure penalties reflect the severity of the offenses.
“We will explore options for specialized rehabilitation programs that address the root causes of abusive behaviour, as well as the introduction of mandatory counselling for offenders,” Senator Wilkerson stated. “For those who commit the most severe acts of violence, we will ensure that they face appropriate criminal penalties, with no leniency for repeat offenders.”
Senator Wilkerson stressed that addressing domestic violence requires a multi-agency approach. She called for collaboration with community stakeholders to provide survivors with essential resources and support.
Specialized training for the judiciary and police to identify psychological forms of abuse, such as coercive and controlling behaviour, was also suggested.
“As we embark on this important journey, I want to emphasize, Madam President, that the Domestic Violence Court Programme is not just a place for legal proceedings, but a vital part of our commitment to create a safer and more supportive environment for all of Bermuda’s residents,” she said.
The pilot phase of the Domestic Abuse Court Programme is expected to begin next month, offering hope for quicker justice and more support for survivors of domestic violence.
