Domestic abuse campaign is launched

19 October 2020

The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board (JSPB) has today launched its annual campaign to continue its work to tackle all forms of domestic abuse in the island.

The 2020 campaign forms part of a three-year strategy to protect and help Islanders who are at risk of domestic abuse through protection, prevention and provision.

Following last year’s theme of ‘Would you know it if you saw it?’ the second strand of the strategy focuses on prevention. The strapline ‘You’ve seen the signs – now what?’ aims to signpost those affected to agencies that can help. It features the accounts of survivors of abuse, and their stories of how they sought help.

Estimated to affect one in four women and one in six men in their lifetime, domestic abuse is a complex and challenging issue which can wreck lives and devastate families. It has a number of different forms including: physical, emotional, financial, sexual, online, coercive control and harassment and stalking. Domestic abuse isn’t limited to romantic relationships, it can also happen within family and carer relationships.

Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS), a referral agency and key member of the JSPB, recorded 711 referrals since the start of 2020. Of the 711 referrals, 361 of those were classed as at significant risk of harm.

Sarah Elliot, Independent Safeguarding Chair of the Board said: “Domestic abuse is a broad issue and can affect people of all genders, age, sexuality and race. We want Islanders experiencing domestic abuse to know that they are not alone and no matter what the circumstances, help and support is available. 

“Particularly in the current climate, with the potential for tighter restrictions and more time at home, this is a campaign that stands for what is at the very core objectives of JSPB – to most effectively co-ordinate local work to prioritise the safeguarding of vulnerable Islanders.”

The purple-themed campaign will feature initiatives throughout the year to help Islanders access support when it is most needed.

Staff from the agencies that make up the JSPB will be available at a pop-up shop in Liberty Wharf from 19–23 October, where artwork from Karios Arts, which works to support victims of abuse through therapeutic arts, will be on display.

Marketing materials will be displayed in key hotspots around the island, including schools, the hospital, and various stores in St. Helier. Islanders are encouraged to wear the purple ribbon to demonstrate their support and collective stand against domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Sub-Group:

• Family Nursing and Home Care 
• Health and Community Services 
• Children, Young People, Education and Skills 
• States of Jersey Police 
• Primary Care 
• Jersey Women’s Refuge 
• Victim Support 
• Probation 
• Jersey Domestic Abuse Support 
• Social Security 
• Housing – Strategic and Providers
• JAAR

Domestic Abuse Campaign Group:

• States of Jersey Police 
• Government of Jersey (which includes Communications, Education and Health) 
• Jersey Domestic Abuse Support 
• Jersey Youth Service 
• Prison! Me! No! Way! 
• ADAPT 
• Jersey Women’s Refuge 
• JAAR 
• Probation 
• Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) 
• Jersey’s Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (JMAPPA) 
• Sexual Abuse Referral Centre 

The pop-up shop in Liberty Wharf will be staffed 11.30am – 2.30pm from 19–23 October.