THE safety of domestic abuse victims and their children has to be the priority, according to the people behind a proposed strategy for the island. Dr Maggie Costen (pictured) heads Women’s Aid, part of Options, which was instrumental in putting the plan together.

Details of the draft report are being released ahead of the matter going to the States for approval next year and contributions from victims are being sought. One area the team hopes to improve is victim support.

‘This is about the practicalities which make it difficult to move on,’ said Dr Costen.

People worry about where they can go and be safe and about the future of their children, she added.  Accommodation, finances, health services, emotional support and children and young people’s needs are the priorities in that part of the strategy.

‘There is still a big stigma around domestic abuse. It’s incredibly difficult for people in abusive relationships to ask for help – very often, they still love the perpetrator and forgive them until something happens that makes them think enough is enough,’ said Dr Costen.