Islanders Urged to Watch for Hidden Abuse this Christmas

The Department of Home Affairs is backing Victim Support Isle of Man’s campaign urging the public to stay alert to signs of domestic abuse and elder abuse during the festive season.

The Department and the charity say friends, family and communities can play a crucial role in reducing isolation and supporting vulnerable individuals over the Christmas period.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said: ‘Abuse isn’t just physical, it can be emotional, financial, or coercive, and it often hides in plain sight.

‘The Department has strengthened protections under the Domestic Abuse Act, increased support services, and is working closely with police and Victim Support Isle of Man to make it easier for people to speak out and intervene.’

Lorna Trevethan, chief executive officer of Victim Support Isle of Man, said that the pressures of the festive season could increase the risk of harm in abusive situations.

She said: ‘Christmas can bring financial stress, increased alcohol consumption and family tensions, all of which can exacerbate abusive behaviour. For victims, particularly the elderly, this time of year can feel even more isolating.

‘We want people to know the signs and feel empowered to act.’

What to look out for

Victim Support Isle of Man advises family, friends, carers and neighbours to be aware of warning signs:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent excuses for physical harm
• Withdrawal from social contact or sudden changes in behaviour
• Signs of fear or anxiety around a partner or family member
• Sudden changes in financial circumstances, including additional names on bank accounts or sudden changes to wills, deeds or other financial documents
• Neglect, such as poor hygiene, lack of basic care and unexplained weight loss
• Not managing their health needs, leading to potential deterioration in their physical health
• New friendships/relationships on which the person becomes significantly dependent
• Fear of spending their own money, or changes to spending habits, including bills going unpaid
• Valuable possessions going missing

How you can help

If you suspect someone is experiencing abuse:

• Arrange to see them on their own if possible and reach out in a safe and supportive way
• Listen without judgement and offer reassurance
• Contact Victim Support for confidential assistance and information
• Consider contacting the adult safeguarding team on 685969 for extra guidance and support or contacting the out of hours social work team on 650000 (via the hospital switchboard)

‘You don’t have to be certain to seek help,’ added Mrs Trevethan.

‘If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak to us. Together, we can make this season safer for everyone.’

There is support available to provide a victim with immediate protection following an incident of domestic abuse.

Restrictions upon perpetrators can include:

• Stopping him/her from entering, and being within a certain distance of a victim’s home
• Stopping him/her from making the victim leave or exclude the victim from their home
• Requiring him/her to leave the home
• Prohibiting him/her from having contact with the victim

You can report domestic abuse to the police via the non-emergency number 0631212 or use 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Help from Victim Support is available on 679950 or email enquiries@victimsupport.im

There is more information on the Victim Support website and on gov.im