Would you know domestic abuse if you saw it?

Monday 25 November 2019

A campaign that aims to challenge people's idea of domestic abuse is being launched today, in a bid to help break the cycle of abuse.

The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board (JSPB) has launched a domestic abuse campaign with the strap-line, 'would you know it if you saw it?,' in a bid to highlight incidents of domestic abuse as well as to help people recognise behaviour they may not normally associated with domestic abuse - such as emotional, financial and sexual abuse.

The initiative will run for two weeks, and tie in with the national '16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence' campaign. 

“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," Sarah Elliott, Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Partnership Board said.

"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.”  

Pictured: Last year, there were 1,106 domestic incidents and 468 recorded domestic crimes.

Detective Inspector Cathy Davison, who chairs the campaign, said that reports of domestic abuse have been increasing in Jersey.  

Last year, there were 1,106 domestic incidents and 468 recorded domestic crimes, 442 domestic incidents where children were present and 381 domestic abuse notification shared with the Education Department. 

14% of all reported crime is currently associated with domestic abuse and 2018 has seen an increase in children being associated with such crime.

"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," Ms Davison added.

Pictured: Children living in homes where domestic abuse takes place are also affected.

It is estimated that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. Children living in homes where domestic abuse takes place are also affected and the impact it has on them cannot be underestimated.

Domestic abuse is a complex and challenging issue which can wreck lives and devastate families and the campaign aims to highlight behaviours and actions that people might not necessarily associate with domestic abuse.

Pictured: The campaign aims to challenge people's idea of domestic abuse. 

“When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on physical violence," Carly Lucas, Independent Domestic/Sexual Violence Advisor, said. 

"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." 

There are a number of public events planned across the island this week. 

Pictured: The schedule of public events for the week.

During the events, supporters will be giving out purple - the colour chosen for the local campaign - ribbons and wristbands encouraging islanders to take a stand against domestic abuse and show their support. In addition, Fort Regent will be lit in purple starting from today.

Jersey Women's Refuge has worked with Kairos Arts to present an exhibition created by women affected by domestic abuse which speaks of their journey towards freedom and recovery. It will be visible at Liberty Wharf from 11:30-14:30 until 29 November.

The campaign is part of a three-year strategy to keep more islanders safe through three strands of work focused on prevention, protection and provision. It is also part of the pledge to ‘Put Children First’ to improve the care and uphold the rights of every child in the island.