BLE questioned on domestic violence response

Friday 31 July 2020

Bailiwick Law Enforcement's response to domestic abuse has been scrutinised following reports that such cases spiked during lockdown - with the Police Chief highlighting some of the measures taken.

Statistics released in June in response to Rule 14 questions put to Home Affairs revealed that domestic abuse incidents were up by 51% at the end of May, compared to the same period last year.

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.