Domestic abuse campaign launched

The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board (JSPB) today launched a domestic abuse campaign, as part of a three-year strategy to keep more islanders safe through three strands of work focused on prevention, protection and provision.

The campaign, has the strapline, "would you know it if you saw it? "and aims to highlight incidents of domestic abuse as well as help people recognise signs and behaviours that people may not know are associated with domestic abuse such as emotional, financial and sexual abuse.

It is estimated that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. Similarly, the impact of such abuse upon the lives of the children living in such environments cannot be underestimated. Domestic abuse is a complex and challenging issue which can wreck lives and devastate families. The strategy and campaign is part of the pledge to ‘Put Children First’ to improve the care and uphold the rights of every child in the Island.

Sarah Elliott, Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Partnership Board said: "The JSPB’s Domestic Abuse Sub Group along with partner agencies have been working hard to deliver this important campaign which is part of our three-year strategy. We want to build awareness of domestic abuse and the devasting impact that it has on victims, whilst also signposting what help, and support is available to Islanders to help protect them."

The initiative is for two weeks, and ties in with the national "16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence" campaign. Purple has been designated as the colour for the local campaign and Fort Regent will be lit in purple, during week commencing 25 November.

Purple ribbons

There are a number of public outreach events taking place during the first week of the campaign across the island, and where members of the public are invited to come and find out more about domestic abuse and get advice if they have concerns themselves or are worried about a loved one, friend or colleague that may be subject to such abuse. During the events supporters will be giving out purple ribbons and wristbands encouraging islanders take a stand against domestic abuse and show their support.

In addition, there will be an art exhibition taking part in Liberty Wharf from 25-29 November from 11:30-14:30 by Kairos Arts in collaboration with Jersey Women’s Refuge which has been created by women affected by domestic abuse and speaks of their journey towards freedom and recovery.

Detective Inspector and Domestic Abuse Campaign, Cathy Davison commented: "Reports of domestic abuse have been increasing in Jersey, therefore we want to ensure that both victims and their families are able to access the right help and support through a co-ordinated Island approach. In addition, to help highlight the importance of a healthy relationship as opposed to one associated with controlling behaviour, violence and abuse."

Carly Lucas, Independent Domestic/Sexual Violence Advisor, added: "When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on physical violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in an intimate relationship to dominate and control the other regardless of age, gender or sexuality. Emotional abuse and controlling behaviour can often be far more damaging and have longer lasting effects, than physical abuse.

This work is aiming at helping to break the cycle of abuse through preventing domestic abuse from occurring in the first place by challenging the associated culture and intervening as early as possible in order to prevent it from continuing, repeating or escalating. Reduce the associated risks to victims, by holding perpetrators to account and supporting them to change their behaviour, whilst working in partnership to provide the appropriate level of support where domestic abuse occurs.