Victim Support Services (VSS) teaming up with the Office of the Ombudsman for a sensitisation workshop on domestic violence (see Thursday newspaper) is a positive development. Although the latter institute might not easily be associated with this kind of activity, it shows acknowledgement of what has become a serious issue on the island.
As recently as in the Wednesday edition an arrest was reported for such an incident. A blow to the head with suspected use of a hammer and finger-biting wound were mentioned.
Police and the Safe Haven shelter are forced to deal with its consequences, but the phenomenon has deep socioeconomic and cultural roots, while mental health can play a role as well. Enhancing public service responses and raising community awareness are indeed important in this regard.
VSS handles three to four relational abuse cases per week but said this doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is growing. More people involved may now recognise their circumstances and feel empowered to seek help.
Perhaps, but others can certainly contribute. Neighbours, relatives and friends aware of such situations, if unable or understandably afraid to intervene, should not hesitate to alert authorities before matters get worse, as they usually do.
This concerns all of society and is not something to turn a blind eye to.
