The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board (JSPB) launcheded its annual campaign in 2020 to continue tackling all forms of domestic abuse in the island.
The 2020 campaign formed 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.”
Although it launched in October 2020, the purple themed campaign will continue, helping Islanders who are affected to access the support available to them when it is most needed.
For further information, please visit www.safeguarding.je
Where to go for help......
Helpful Contacts:
In an emergency, always call The States of Jersey Police on 999 for immediate help. Our non-emergency number is (01534) 612612.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support works with victims (male and female) of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe. Referral can be made through any agency or by the individual him/herself. They also have an online chat function and specific COVID-19/lockdown advice which is available in different languages.
Call 01534 880505 or email info@jdas.je
Jersey Women's Refuge is a confidential service which offers support, advice and safe accommodation to female victims of domestic abuse. The 24 hour helpline number is 0800 7356836. They can also be contacted on 01534 873288 or email info@jerseywomensrefuge.org
Victims First Jersey help anyone affected by crime, not only those who experienced it directly, but also friends and family. Support is available at any time and for however long you may need.
Call 0800 7351612 or email victimsfirstjersey@gov.je
JAAR provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors of rape and sexual assault and their families that includes a dedicated helpline, website, on site counselling and access to highly qualified and specially trained counselors and psychotherapists. Call 01534 482800.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity working to fight crime. Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 if you are worried about someone’s safety.
For children and young people:
The YES Project provides young people with free confidential, information, advice and counselling. Call the FREE number 0800 7350 010 or 01534 280530 or email yes@jys.je you can also text them on 07797 778424
NSPCC Jersey are working to protect children today and prevent abuse from happening tomorrow.
Call 0808 800 5000
Childline helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.
Call 0800 1111