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The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board (JSPB) has today, (19 October), launched its annual campaign to continue tackling 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, in the three strands of: protection, prevention and provision.
Continuing on from last year’s theme of ‘Would you know it if you saw it?’ the second strand of the strategy focusses on prevention, with the strapline of ‘You’ve seen the signs – now what?’ aiming 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 to prevent further incidents.
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 just 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 very 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.”
While it launches this week (19-25 October) the purple themed campaign will continue with initiatives at trigger points throughout the year, to help Islanders who are affected to access the support available to them when it is most needed.
Staff from the agencies that make up the JSPB will be available for further advice at a pop-up shop in Liberty Wharf between Monday 19 – Friday 23 October, and artwork from Karios Arts, which works to support victims of abuse through therapeutic arts, will be on show.
Marketing materials will be displayed in key hotspots around the island, including schools, the hospital, and various stores in St. Helier, and Islanders are encouraged to wear the purple ribbon to demonstrate their support and collective stand against domestic abuse.
For further information, please visit www.safeguarding.je
You’ve seen the signs – now what? Domestic Abuse can take a number of different forms, it isn’t always physical or in romantic relationships. If you or someone you know needs support, there is help out there.
Call Jersey Domestic Abuse Support on 01534 880505 or visit safeguarding.je #YouAreNotAlone
Domestic abuse - A victim's story, Louisa:
Domestic Abuse - A victim's story, Josie:
