Victim Support IOM sees 60% increase in domestic abuse cases

The report also highlights a total of 534 referrals in 2023/24

A charity that helps victims of crime on the Island has seen a 60 percent increase in reports of domestic abuse. 

Victim Support Isle of Man has revealed the figure in its latest annual report, published this week. 

The number of domestic abuse cases the charity took on from April 2023 until March this year stood at 239. 

It also revealed a total of 534 referrals in 2023/24 which equates to a 32 percent increase overall. 

Of that total figure there were:

•  467 adult referrals (32 percent increase),
•  67 children or young people (31 percent increase)

Most referrals made to the charity were by individuals, with 236 self referrals (44%), police recommended 151 people (28%) and other sources - which include family, friends, mental health services or social services among others - stood at 147 referrals (27%). 

There was also a 29 percent increase in sexual violence when compared to the previous year which stood at 103 cases. 

However the charity did see a decrease in one area - general crime which stood at 121 (17%). 

In the report, Chief Executive Officer Lorna Trevethan says they've been working with an increasing number of people each year and funding remains a challenge. 

"It costs £412 per person for an average of six one-on-one sessions and £69 per session." - Victim Support Isle of Man Annual Report 

Looking ahead though, as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary, it hopes to, in the next 12 months, host a two-day conference in September and re-write and publish a Victim's Charter in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs among others.

 You can find out more here.