Domestic violence 'still a major issue'

Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls remain a major issue in Jersey, a women's charity has said.

Freeda, a charity dedicated to protecting and empowering women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, said it would be celebrating its 40-year anniversary in 2026.

CEO Kate Wright said Soroptimists International Jersey had organised a march in St Helier to raise awareness and encouraged women and men to attend to show solidarity.

"Last year's march was very wet and windy and people turned up to showing solidarity and allyship for women and girls, not just in Jersey, but around the world," Ms Wright said.

She said: "We won't let the rain stop us coming together and show how important this is to us as a community that every citizen feels safe."

Ms Wright said Rozelle Sutherland, who helped establish Jersey Women's Refuge in 1988, was their "absolute hero".

"Rozelle founded our charity in 1986, so next year we'll celebrate 40 years of Freeda, an incredible legacy of determination, bravery and love," she said.

"But domestic abuse and violence against women and girls remain major issues in Jersey, as the VAWG Taskforce report showed just two years ago."

Ms Wright said the charity wanted to see domestic abuse eliminated.

"Not only did Rozelle create this incredibly important safe space that literally can save lives, she's opened up so much awareness and so much possibility for real change, real hope that we can change the landscape for women and girls in Jersey."

Ms Wright said the safe home and outreach service had "never been busier" and it was also supporting male victims of domestic abuse via its community outreach.

The march takes place on 22 November, starting at West Centre before heading through town to Charing Cross and back.

It will also mark the United Nation's (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.

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