Safeguarding the Isle of Man: 'It's everyone's business'

How the Island is working together to protect the vulnerable

*This story contains information which some readers may find distressing.

Ensuring children, and vulnerable adults, are safeguarded from harm is ‘everyone’s business’.

That’s the message from police on the first day of the Isle of Man’s Childrens and Adults’ Safeguarding Week (20 November).

The event gives professionals – and the public - the opportunity to learn more about the safeguarding services and support available on the Island.

PVP

Inspector Samuel Cannell works in the Protecting Vulnerable People team and, working with other agencies through the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, endeavours to keep people safe from harm:

But Inspector Cannell told Manx Radio the police service isn't always the best placed organisation to help those in need: 

“Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Everyone’s got a duty to look after each other and put an arm around their shoulder. That’s effectively what safeguarding is.” - Inspector Samuel Cannell

LEGISLATION

The Isle of Man Government implemented the Domestic Abuse Act in January this year.

It means for the first time the Island has specific laws which target those people committing domestic abuse or violence.

Speaking ahead of the legislation coming into place Inspector Cannell said he expected it to be ‘absolutely huge’ for the Island – and he’s been proved right:

However long-awaited legislation which tackles sexual offending – in the form of the Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act – is still outstanding.

The Department of Home Affairs says it’s prioritising other legislation ahead of it.

And that delay has attracted criticism.

Last month the Isle of Man’s High Bailiff James Brooks had to sentence a man who’d sent explicit sexual content - to people he believed were children - under powers designed to combat nuisance phone calls.

High Bailiff Brooks told the court sentencing him under the Communications Act meant his sentencing powers were restricted.

“It seems to me the public is much less well protected than it might be,” he commented. 

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson has told Manx Radio she expects the legislation to be in place by the end of 2023.

“The legislation that we have at the moment didn’t cover that specific offence. The new legislation does and it does carry a good prison sentence.” - Inspector John Mitchell

GIVING VICTIMS A VOICE

Detective Inspector John Mitchell is responsible for the investigative arm of the PVP and, along with his highly trained officers, deals with the most serious sexual offences committed on the Isle of Man:

Since April 2023 all cases of sexual abuse that have gone to court have ended with a successful prosecution following a trial or via guilty pleas.

Nine court cases have resulted in 10 offenders receiving a combination of custodial sentences, totalling more than 25 years, suspended sentences and various orders restricting freedom.

Fifteen court cases are currently progressing through the criminal justice system.

And it’s during these court cases that Inspector Mitchell says it’s vital that victims are given ‘a voice’.

In September one such victim – an eight-year-old child – was given their opportunity in the form of a video victim impact statement.

It meant they could tell the court, in their own words, what had happened to them:

SUPPORT

And for those who traverse through the criminal justice system, or for those who choose not to, support is also on hand from a variety of Island based agencies including Victim Support.

Lorna Trevethan is the charity’s chief executive:

SAFEGUARDING

You can find out more about Isle of Man’s Childrens and Adults’ Safeguarding Week, and the events which are being run this week, by clicking HERE.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.