WATCH: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse

Saturday 18 April 2020

Anyone at risk of domestic abuse has been reassured that leaving home is classed as an essential journey if you feel under threat during the corona virus lockdown.

Despite official reports not indicating an increase in incidents it is thought that more people will be at risk as tensions are likely to be heightened as the pandemic continues.

The risks to vulnerable children facing abuse and neglect are also likely to be enhanced at this time, and different organisations are working together to try and tackle this as the lockdown continues.

However, the number of official reports, including the numbers of calls to Guernsey Police, has not increased which in itself is being seen as a cause for concern in some areas. With the majority of pupils not at school and all out of school clubs closed, and most people not working or working from home, reports which usually come from those avenues have also dropped significantly. 

Deputy Heidi Soulsby, who as President of the Committee for Health and Social Care has political oversight of many of the services protecting young people, said anyone with any concerns should make contact and they will be listened to.

"The levels are about what we normally have, but we're concerned about that, because we would expect as we have seen in other jurisdictions that that should be going up.

"Really if people have concerns, and in an emergency situation call the police, but there are other avenues such as Safer, that they can contact and all that detail is on gov.gg/coronavirus."

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby. 

Since Deputy Soulsby spoke yesterday, Guernsey Police has confirmed a slight increase in calls regarding domestic situations but officers are also urging anyone with any concerns to come forward.

Issuing its weekly update on the lockdown, Guernsey Police said: "Our pursuit of domestic abusers remains relentless, corona virus has not and will not change that.

"We are starting to see an increase in calls for service. Abuse in any form – physical, emotional, financial, sexual or psychological – must be reported.

"Our message is simple: if you are the victim of domestic abuse, call. If you suspect you know about someone suffering domestic abuse, call. We are available on 725111, Safer can be contacted on 721999.

"If you are in immediate danger, call 999. To be clear: leaving the house because you’re in an abusive relationship IS an essential journey. If you need to leave, leave."

The charity Safer works with families and individuals affected by domestic abuse. It also works closely with other organisations including the Guernsey and Alderney Youth Commission, which has released a video with information about what constitutes domestic abuse and what can be done.

The four-part video series has been produced with up to date information on knowing the signs of domestic abuse and what you can do if you or someone you know is at risk.

To contact Safer you can visit its Facebook page HERE or its website HERE.