Arrests made over domestic abuse

Wednesday 29 April 2020

Guernsey Police has confirmed it made a number of arrests last week following a spike in calls relating to domestic abuse.

Victims of domestic abuse and those living in abusive relationships were identified early on as being especially vulnerable during the lockdown, with home not a safe place for everyone.

While there had been an increase in domestic abuse calls in the UK, until last week Guernsey Police had reiterated that the number of reports had not increased since the lockdown was imposed. 

At yesterday's media briefing, Head of Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy said tensions in some households had boiled over last week, with police having to arrest a number of individuals as a result. 

"Domestic abuse is an aspect of our work that remains a focus for us and I can reassure the public that we have sufficient trained and dedicated staff working in that area. If you are a victim of domestic abuse leaving your home to seek help is a necessary journey.

Pictured: Head of Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy has made comments previously urging victims of domestic abuse to speak out and get help.

"We have seen an increase in the number of cases of domestic abuse in the last week and this is related particularly to households that are feeling the strain with the restrictions that we are all complying with, but please, don’t hold back from making those calls."

Mr Hardy was unable to comment on individual cases, but confirmed that formal action had to be taken in some of the cases.

"We have made a number of arrests for individual cases of alleged domestic abuse and some of those cases may go before the courts. Each investigation is treated on its own merits, but just to reassure anyone who thinks they need advice or help, we are there to help, as are the charities.

"There is also help for individuals who feel they may be offenders, there are charities here who work with people with issues with domestic abuse from a perpetrator point of view, and those charities are also there to help."

Victims can either contact the Police on 725111 or a charity such as Safer on 721999. There is more information on that charity's website about people concerned about domestic abuse. 

Pictured top: The Guernsey Police Station.