Lockdown shines light in darkest areas

April alone saw new referrals to the shelter charity more than double as families struggled to cope with lockdown. Overall, one in five new cases were in the very high risk category.

Thanks to the generous support of an island bank, Safer were able to absorb the pressure and quickly open a new shelter.

Behind each raw statistic are tales of vulnerable children and adults who have reached the end of their tether and need urgent help.

Abuse in the home can take many forms: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.

Controlling, coercive behaviour, violence and abuse anywhere is abhorrent but when the victim cannot find comfort and security in their own home it is debilitating and can lead to a loss of self-confidence.

That the source of the abuse is a mother or father, son or daughter, a brother or sister or even grandparents and in-laws is particularly disturbing.

The level of domestic violence is such that every two weeks Guernsey needs to hold a multi-agency meeting to discuss how to help victims at high risk of murder or serious harm. Around the table are domestic abuse specialists, police, children’s social services, health and other agencies.

Chillingly, victims are also advised to think about places of safety in their own home and where they might go if the worst happened and they had to leave in a rush.

They might need a code word to warn friends and family they are in trouble or a spare phone to call for help.

This is a world that abuse professionals and advisers know all too well but one which lies hidden from general view in the rotten underbelly of our society.

Like most charities, Safer is having to work hard to raise funds in the post-lockdown world. A safe house has been belatedly upgraded and a new one will be sought for 2022.

Covid has only served to highlight why its work is so important and needs continuing support.