VIDEO: Does that sit right with you? Police launch domestic abuse campaign

Monday 27 November 2017

With Jersey's Police Officers dealing with an average of three incidents of domestic abuse every day, they are now launching a new awareness campaign.

It kicked off on Friday with around 20 of the island's politicians posing with white ribbons for a photo opportunity in the Royal Square, and will continue this week.

Police responded to nearly 1,000 domestic violence incidents last year and attend an average of three domestic abuse incidents every single day of the year, equating to around 12% of all the island’s recorded crime. Figures show that although domestic incidents have decreased by 8%, high-risk domestics have risen by 11%.

Deputy @CarolynLabey and fellow States members supporting the White Ribbon anti-violence campaign today pic.twitter.com/0XeCCHxtUl

— States Assembly (@StatesAssembly) November 24, 2017

To heighten public awareness of the issue the force are launching a week-long campaign called #SittingRightWithYou. They hope it will “highlight the prevalence of domestic abuse within the islands, raise awareness and reach those affected across all cultural groups.”

The campaign also has the support of Crimestoppers, JAAR, Jersey Youth Service, Jersey Women’s Refuge, Jersey Domestic Abuse Support and Dewberry House.

The campaign uses a yellow sofa in its imagery and asks the question ‘Does that sit right with you?’ The police say the aim is to encourage people to think about what makes a healthy relationship using messages such as, "he checks my phone all the time","she has control over my bank accounts," and, "I can go out with friends when he says it’s ok."

It’s time to end the stigma that surrounds domestic abuse – it’s time to start the conversation. #SittingRightWithYou pic.twitter.com/p13P6O2PtG

— States of Jsy Police (@JerseyPolice) November 24, 2017

Detective Inspector Craig Jackson, Head of the Public Protection Unit said: “Domestic Abuse is a major crime in Jersey and we as a community need to work together to ensure no one is suffering, unable to get help. This week is about getting into the communities, talking to people and letting them know who can help and how. It is magnificent that the agencies involved with tackling domestic abuse are on board for this as we recognise that domestic abuse cannot be successfully tackled in isolation.” 

The Home Affairs Minister Deputy Kristina Moore has since added her praise for the initiative.

The Minister, who is currently leading Jersey’s compliance with the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, commented that figures showed a need to "continue to work across the private and public sector to educate people about the causes and impacts of domestic abuse."

Video: Deputy Kristina Moore, the Minister for Home Affairs, gives her support to the campaign. (States of Jersey Police)

“Domestic abuse is unacceptable in our community and must be challenged. I would encourage Islanders to speak up against domestic abuse and help to raise awareness throughout the States of Jersey Police campaign #SittingRightWithYou,” she said.