Domestic violence calls increase in Jersey

Lorna Keaney, manager of the refuge, said they can't tell why they are getting more calls

There has been a rise in the number of calls about domestic violence in Jersey.

The Jersey women's refuge provides a confidential service of support, advice and safe accommodation to victims.

Lorna Keaney, manager of the refuge, said it is hard to tell why they are getting more calls.

She said: "I'm not sure whether it is to do with the fact that we are having more awareness campaigns and people know where to go for help."

The refuge team includes a qualified counsellor who offers free counselling for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Ms Keaney said the service is heavily used by people in the island.

"The women's refuge is contacted over 1,000 times every year and we have probably between 60 and 120 families that need to use the refuge safe house," she said.

"We are a vital social service, there are so many people in need, there is a statistic that says one in four women will experience domestic violence in their life time."