Domestic abuse victims: "It's never your fault"

Tuesday 22 January 2019

Everyone is urged to recognise and act on instances of domestic violence across the Bailiwick, as the UK looks to adopt a new law making it easier for victims to speak out.

The Guernsey charity Safer, Guernsey Police and a woman who experienced domestic violence in her family first hand all want to send a message that the crime can take many forms and that there is help out there.

It is unclear whether or not Guernsey will adopt a similar law to that of the UK whereby victims won't have to be cross examined in court although a review of the Domestic Abuse Strategy (2016-2020) is still ongoing.  

The change in the UK is part of a Government package to tackle domestic abuse and the draft Bill, published on Monday, aims to support victims and their families and pursue offenders, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said.

The new legislation will introduce the first statutory Government definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.

Pictured: Express reported the UK's law change yesterday. Read that report here. 

Representatives from the Guernsey charity Safer said the island is behind other jurisdictions in the way it handles domestic abuse cases but that legislation was only one part of the solution. 

"Domestic abuse is a complex problem requiring multiagency work to enable effective solutions. The Bailiwick has an advantage in its size and geography with the potential of enabling much closer working relationships to be developed to tackle domestic abuse collectively. Public services and others in healthcare have an important role to play, providing a more consistent approach to identifying those who experience domestic abuse and ensuring that victims and their children are supported in seeking help from specialist services, like those Safer provides. Whether a victim sees their doctor, goes to A and E, reports an incident to the police or other agency or comes direct to Safer, help and support are available.

"Promoting awareness of domestic abuse enables the whole community to take a different approach and report incidents of violence, rather than ignoring or dismissing violence perpetrated in the home. This enables victims to feel supported by their community and get the help that they need.

"The main areas of the Home Office paper, reported on to date, are around transforming the justice process and the perpetrator response. Having to face cross-examination by your abuser is harrowing for victims. Not allowing the alleged perpetrator to do this is a measure that Safer feels should be brought in locally. Streamlining court processes, improving communication following reports of incidents through to sentencing, reducing delays and improving protection for the victims will also help locally through a similar review. Safer is currently working, at staff level, with the Committee for Home Affairs and others to review local legislation as part of the Domestic Abuse Strategy.

"Any changes that will enable victims and their children to be better protected and supported should be looked at for the Islands. We can learn from what works or has not worked in other jurisdictions and implement measures that will help victims locally. Legislation is only part of the equation, and sustainable services for victims are vital in tackling domestic abuse and putting in place long term solutions," they said. 

 Above: Safer is a Guernsey based charity helping the victims of domestic abuse and their families. 

Guernsey Police recently issued a statement to emphasise the importance of pursuing the perpetrators of domestic abuse in the island.

“Bailiwick Law Enforcement, together with our partner agencies, want to send a very clear message to the community that we conduct a relentless pursuit of all perpetrators of domestic violence. This abhorrent crime affects the most vulnerable in our society – and includes their children and wider family," said Detective Constable Crystal Simon.

DC Simon's statement was released following the culmination of a recent court case.

“It is important perpetrators are held responsible for the abuse. It is unacceptable. In this case, we robustly pursued the perpetrator and welcome the outcome of the case. Let us be clear: robust pursuit is not an isolated act on our behalf, it is standard operating procedure. To any victims, we urge you to come forward. We are here to help. You are important. Your life is important. Your safety is important. All domestic incidents are treated with the utmost seriousness, If you, or anyone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, it is vitally important you seek help and support from the range of local and national organisations in existence. They can talk you through the available options," she said.

“Domestic abuse is not just violence, it can also be psychological, emotional, sexual, financial or coercive control. Domestic abuse presents a risk not only to those directly on the receiving end, but also anyone who witnesses it, and it presents a further risk of harm to children or young people who live in an environment where abuse is occurring. Guernsey Police and partner agencies will sensitively act on any information of domestic abuse and attempt to put protective measures in place.We want to emphasise that not only will abusers be brought to justice, but victims will be supported, protected and assisted with their lives," she said.

In 2016, Paul Hopkins was arrested for assault after a harrowing attack on his then-partner Sabrina. This film contains real audio from the 999 call made to @ThamesVP, and police footage from the scene. Viewer caution is advised. #DomesticAbuse pic.twitter.com/hGKumCrvD6

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) January 21, 2019

Above: The UK Home Office is hoping to encourage more victims of domestic abuse to come forward. 

A local woman who Express is unable to name told us that the process of reporting instances of domestic abuse is key, no matter what the outcome at trial.

"I’d like to praise the Public Protection Unit at the police station because they were fantastic throughout the whole thing. I would urge people to come forward and report it because they don’t have to put up with it and things can be done to help them and that they don’t think or feel that it’s ever their fault because it’s not," she said. 

Pictured top: Help and support are available for all victims of domestic abuse.