Police: New domestic abuse laws will be 'massive' for IoM

But important legislation can't be rushed says minister

New legislation which will enable police to better protect victims of domestic abuse will be ‘absolutely huge’ for the Isle of Man. 

That’s the view of the police inspector charged with leading the Island’s Multi Agency Public Protection Unit. 

At present the Isle of Man has no specific laws which target people committing domestic violence offences. 

That's set to change when the Domestic Abuse Act comes into force by the end of this year.

'Legislation, in and of itself, isn't what delivers actual change on the ground.' - Jane Poole-Wilson

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson says a great deal of work is needed to make sure the new legislation can be enforced:

'At the moment we don't have any specific offences that are domestic abuse related.' - Sam Cannell

Inspector Sam Cannell, from the Isle of Man Constabulary, says the introduction of new laws will be a big step forward: 

Victim Support Isle of Man has told Manx Radio that 35 per cent of its clients - from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 - were victims of domestic abuse.

From April to June this year the charity has had 45 new client referrals for domestic abuse.

Victim Support says coercive control is something it sees on a regular basis. 

A spokesperson said: 'The signs of coercive control can be controlling all aspects of someone’s life from finances, where they go, who they talk too, when they can sleep or even when they can eat.

'This can result in the person becoming isolated from all family and friends.

'Other signs of coercive control can be humiliating, degrading and repeatedly putting someone down, making threats to intimidate someone or gas lighting.'

You can contact Victim Support by emailing enquiries@victimsupport.im or call 01624 679950.

The charity is open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.