DEPUTIES will let down some of Guernsey’s most vulnerable people if they decide against prioritising the proposed domestic abuse strategy, Guernsey Women’s Aid has warned.

Chairman Maggie Costen (pictured) has written to States members urging them to include the strategy in funding plans for next year.

The States debate began this morning and one item on the agenda will allow deputies to decide which essential projects will get the go-ahead.

Dr Costen told members they should be deeply concerned about the number of domestic abuse cases in the island.

‘Twenty years ago too many islanders – and States members – assumed that “it can’t happen here”. It is now clear to anybody with an open mind that not only does it happen here, but on a very significant scale,’ she said.

‘Of course, Guernsey isn’t unique in experiencing these problems, but we are almost the last developed, western community to implement a co-ordinated response. To put it off yet further would be folly.’

She said the island’s tight financial situation was even more reason to press on with the strategy.