At a recent Scrutiny Committee hearing regarding the States’ response to the corona virus, Police Chief Ruari Hardy was questioned about what Guernsey Police has done in response to this spike.
Officer Hardy was unable to provide individual case details due to privacy concerns, but made it clear that ‘additional capacity’ had been arranged, so that those suffering from domestic violence could seek shelter during lockdown, while abiding by social distancing requirements.
Pictured: Scrutiny Committee Member Deputy Jennifer Merrett, who has previously put in written questions about domestic abuse rates, sought reassurance that Guernsey Police is well-equipped to deal with cases of violence at home.
Mr Hardy highlighted the existence of a Public Protections team to specialise in domestic investigations. He also said that the police were looking to recruit a non-investigative position within the force, which would focus on awareness and training for officers responding to such incidents.
The States of Guernsey had issued information for victims of domestic abuse to receive the help and guidance they need. A summary of this information can be found HERE.
Pictured top: Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy.