Domestic abuse continues to rise in Jersey, say police

The police said the advert would focus on how domestic abuse affects children

Domestic abuse in Jersey is continuing to rise, according to the States of Jersey police.

In the first six months of this year, police said they attended 521 incidents of domestic abuse in Jersey, up from 484 in the first half of 2011.

The 2011 police report figures showed 9% of all recorded crime in Jersey last year was linked to domestic abuse.

Jersey police are launching a seasonal television advertising campaign to help target the "silent sufferers".

A police spokesman said statistics showed Christmas was one of the most dangerous times, when families were "forced to spend time together and people often had money worries".

'Devastating effect'

The TV advert, which will focus on the impact domestic abuse has on children, is being filmed this week with the help of students at Highlands College.

Insp Paul Kennea said: "We know the devastating effect that domestic abuse can have on children of any age and we want parents to know the way they behave can shape who their child becomes.

"We hope this hard-hitting campaign will make people think and send the message that we can help."

Lorna Kearney, from the Jersey Women's Refuge, said she welcomed the focus of the advert.

She said: "It is a big under-reported crime and I think raising awareness particularly about the effects on children is very important because they are not in a position to be able to protect themselves."

She said the refuge accommodated up to 120 families each year, and about 50 children stayed there.