Survey aims to find full extent of domestic violence

OPTIONS - the Guernsey Domestic Violence Forum - is running a widespread survey throughout this month. The study will take the form of a short self-completion questionnaire, which is based on one used for the same purpose in England.

The survey will be completely confidential and those who have filled it in will remain anonymous.

It will assist the forum in understanding just how many women have experienced domestic violence within the island and enable voluntary organisations and States departments to target resources and services according to need.

The questionnaire is voluntary, so women who do not want to fill it in do not have to.

Options aims to enable service providers in the voluntary and States sectors to appreciate the level of abuse people may be experiencing. The results will allow them to target resources to be able to provide more support to those women who need them as well as continuing to raise awareness generally.

The questionnaires will be handed out to all women presenting at various health units, including doctors' surgeries. They will also be available at The Medical Specialist Group.

Health and Social Services, Housing, the prison and Probation Service will participate and hand forms to clients as appropriate. Voluntary agencies such as Victim Support, Relate and the Citizens Advice Bureau are also taking part.

The survey is not designed to find out what is already known and so agencies such as the police and the Women's Refuge, whose clients obviously will have experienced some form of abuse, are not being included on this occasion.

Young people aged 16 to 25 are particularly at risk of domestic violence and so agencies such as NCH Youth Housing Project, Maison St Pierre and Dee-Caf are taking part in the survey.

Any women who are not attending the above agencies who want to complete a questionnaire can find one at the Guille-Alles Library.

n Anyone with questions about the questionnaire can contact survey coordinator Sadie Robilliard on 707423.