GUERNSEY WOMEN’S AID is appalled at the Policy Council’s 11th-hour decision to ignore its commitment to deliver the domestic abuse strategy without delay, according to its chairman.

Maggie Costen said to postpone it any further would be a tragic mistake.

‘The strategy is long overdue and will reduce the suffering of the abused and their children, helping to break a vicious cycle which is a disgrace in a civilised society,’ she said.

Mrs Costen said it would also save money in the medium term.

‘We appreciate that money is short and that the States face a potential budget shortfall, but that is even more of a reason to bring the strategy in as soon as possible.’

The very clear message from Tribal Consulting’s Fundamental Spending Review was that money was squandered when services were delivered in ‘silos’ rather than in a corporate manner, she said.

‘That philosophy is at the heart of the domestic abuse strategy, which seeks to properly coordinate the relevant services across a range of States departments and voluntary bodies.’

‘This will produce both a better and a more cost-effective response to the scourge of domestic abuse.’