The Bahamas Crisis Centre observed 40 years of service as a non-profit organization at an event commemorating its anniversary and honoring its volunteers at Balmoral Club, November 18, 2022.

The Bahamas Crisis Centre, a community outreach non-profit organization, has served as a resource for persons dealing with domestic violence and abuse and provides information, counseling, and additional resources.
Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip Davis, brought remarks commending the center for the work it has achieved and for encouraging advocacy against gender-based violence.

“I want to thank the Crisis Centre for their presence in our society, for their many splendid accomplishments through grace, strength and the recognition achieved over the last forty years that they have made as leaders in the fight for gender-based violence,” she said.

In addition to thanking The Bahamas Crisis Centre for its commitment to protect those affected by domestic violence, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis prompted everyone to be driven in their advocacy against gender-based violence.

“Let us remember the message and we all become advocates. Make violence against women and girls our message in our every day lives. Let us encourage, love, not war or hate. Let us reconcile and not fight,” she said.
The Bahamas Crisis Centre, according to its director, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, began as a means to tackle concerns and provide service and support for those who needed it.

“It was forty years ago that we recognized the need for a service that addressed the trauma, the hurt, the pain, and devastation of victims of violence,” Dean-Patterson said.

In addition to celebrating its 40th year, the event was also a time to recognize and honour volunteers whose service and dedication, according to Dean-Patterson, aided The Bahamas Crisis Centre in effectively providing support to those who sought assistance.

These volunteers, according to Dean-Patterson, in addition to providing assistance with the 24-hour hotline, are present during school visits, in courtrooms, police stations, and hospitals to show support for victims.
The centre's mantra, “all that has to happen for evil to thrive in a world, is that good people do nothing,” according to Dean-Patterson, speaks to the importance of the volunteers being proactive.

“It’s only through our ‘good people’, our volunteers, the people who are willing to give of themselves and come out, that we are able to make a difference,” she said.

   (BIS Photos/Mark Ford)