The Centre Against Abuse is more than just a safe place to stay – it gives people the emotional and practical support to help turn their lives around.
One mother recalled that she had nowhere to live when she separated from her husband because she was non-Bermudian with no family on the island.
“My relationship did not work out as I planned as a woman. I had my child. He was 3 by then,” she said.
“So someone got me in contact with the Centre Against Abuse. They talked to me and they sheltered me. They showed me how to resolve the problem, how to cope physically and emotionally.
“They clothed and fed my child. They asked for financial aid to pay for a lawyer to proceed my divorce and helped with everything I needed at the time.”
The woman stayed at the shelter for about six months.
“There were about five ladies in the shelter,” she said. “It’s unbelievable. They said, ‘You are one of the family.’ I never felt like I was in trouble. I felt I had found a family.
“They were really and honestly trying to help me out in any way possible.”
This included providing emotional support and boosting her confidence, as well as assistance with paperwork and transport.
“They even took me to the beach – they make sure you live the normal life,” she said.
“It was not a good time for me, but they created good memories. They are truly kind. For them, it’s not a job. They are there for you. They make themselves so vulnerable so it’s easy to communicate with them about how you feel. You feel like you are in a safe place.”
Her son even got to celebrate his birthday with a fun castle and other entertainment.
“They really made his birthday as special as a kid can imagine.”
Eventually, the woman was integrated into the Bermuda community and now has a job.
“I’m doing good where I’m at and I’m happy,” she said. “I reside with my child here in Bermuda. This is home. This is his country. I’m not a person who keeps crying about yesterday. I’m thinking about tomorrow.”
She advised anyone in need to seek help.
“Do not be ashamed to be vulnerable and open up for help,” she said.
“Even if you don’t, you are not in a dark place. Do not fear.
“There are people out there who are kind and willing to help. That moment when you are in the darkest place, just reach out for help. We carry a lot of emotions. It’s very important to speak out for help.
“The people that came to be a family at the Centre Against Abuse are for a lifetime. They made a remarkable change in my life.”
