THE States is determined to adopt a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence, according to Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (pictured).

He said that the Policy Council’s report in this month’s Billet d’Etat, which outlines a domestic abuse strategy for Guernsey and Alderney for the next four years, sent out a clear message from government.

‘Domestic violence is a crime and is not acceptable in any circumstances. It has a devastating impact on victims and their families. On average every week in Guernsey the police attend more than 10 domestic abuse incidents, yet we believe that most domestic-related incidents are not reported,’ he said.

‘We must encourage everyone to end the silence on domestic abuse.’

Deputy Trott said it affected people from all walks of life and although the vast majority of victims were women, a significant number were men.

‘It is particularly disturbing for children, who are reported as being present in the same or next room in at least 30% of incidents.’

He commended the work that the Guernsey Domestic Abuse Forum, Guernsey Women’s Refuge, Guernsey Women’s Aid and other agencies had done and said that voluntary and statutory agencies were committed to working in partnership to implement the new strategy.