The Tribune

THE Bahamas Crisis Centre held an outreach weekend with its annual ‘Night of Hope and Healing’ and monthly community walkabout – all in a effort to further sensitise the public about the effects domestic violence has on the country.

The Crisis Centre held its ‘Night of Hope and Healing’ at Hillside House Studio and Gallery on Friday in recognition of The National Day to End Sexual Violence.

In an intimate setting of song, poetry, music and visual arts, victims of abuse told their stories of how they survived their particular domestic violence situation.

Volunteers also read stories of local and international survivors.

September 29 is recognised as “The Day to End Sexual Violence in the Caribbean”. This initiative was one of the outcomes of a regional conference in 2007, hosted by the Bahamas Crisis Centre under the theme: “Together We Can Stop Sexual Violence”.

The Bahamas is the only country which started, and continues the recognition of this day and hence, The Night of Hope and Healing was established here.

A Night of Hope and Healing is an evening to share poetry, songs, stories, visual art (print), and music as an expression of solidarity with the ongoing campaign. The presentations are followed by an open discussion between the artists and the audience.

On Saturday, the Crisis Centre held its monthly walkabout in Fort Charlotte community, teaming up with the Fort Charlotte Urban Renewal Centre.

Volunteers canvassed the area with the purpose of highlighting the issues that affect families and children and circulate brochures.

The community walkabouts started in October 2013.