‘There is value in helping repeat offenders change behaviours’
DOMESTIC ABUSE reports hit peak numbers after the first and second lockdowns, resulting in more than 100 people approaching Citizens Advice Guernsey for support between 2020 and 2021.
At the height of the pandemic, people were unable to visit in person and may have avoided calling if their partner was nearby.
The first spike was seen in July 2020, one month after the first lockdown ended, and a similar trend was seen in May and June the following year.
Of the cases reported, 10 had no gender recorded. Some 76% of the remaining 94 cases were against females and 24% were against males, reflecting UK statistics suggesting that a third of domestic abuse victims are men.
The impact of domestic abuse is estimated to cost the island £12.8m. per year.
‘What we can see clearly is that the two lockdowns suppressed the reporting of cases to CAG, resulting in two distinct peaks in the data after the island opened up again. The lockdowns were difficult for everyone, but those spikes reveal that some islanders suffered more than most,’ said CAG deputy chief executive Annie Ashmead.
Guernsey Police records reflect that domestic abuse is on the rise, particularly by those who have offended before.
‘We’re talking about a family situation – it may be that the victim doesn’t want to report the abuse because they may want to keep the family together, or they aren’t aware of the abuse, particularly with coercive control, when you can’t see the violence.’
The States’ domestic abuse strategy, which was launched in 2016, puts into focus the lasting damage to physical and mental health as well as emotional wellbeing that abuse can cause, as well as the impact it can have on finances and socialising.
‘However you look at it, domestic abuse is something that impacts our whole community,’ said Mrs Ashmead.
The report found that most of those seeking help had children under 12 and many cases included elements of financial hardship following a relationship breakdown.
CAG chief executive Kerry Ciotti said physical and mental abuse had been a growing problem in Guernsey for many years and showed no sign of easing.
‘Part of the problem is how we think and talk about domestic abuse. An adviser to UK police forces pointed out that we always talk about what the victim is doing and we leave the perpetrator out of the conversation.
‘We tend to say that someone commits an act of terrorism, but that women experience domestic violence. Where is the perpetrator in that sentence?’ she asked.
‘Our report shows the value of helping repeat offenders to change their behaviours.
‘We see at a national level that the Respect Phoneline offers a more immediate and accessible form of support to perpetrators of domestic abuse but, sadly, it is a UK-only service that is not available to islanders. Perhaps a Bailiwick or even a Channel Islands helpline would help to slow or even reverse this growing problem, which continues to ruin lives while costing the Bailiwick an eight-figure sum each year.’
n Support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse is available from Citizens Advice Guernsey on 01481 242266. Local charity Safer also offers free support and can be contacted on 01481 721999 or enquiries@safer.gg.
