Stamping out domestic abuse

A band of women are on a clean up mission to stamp out domestic abuse in Jersey.

A team of three from the Women's Refuge are today (Monday) putting in a full day's shift clearing rubbish from the streets of St Helier.

It is part of a year-long fundraising campaign.

And its also an opportunity for the Refuge to talk about the problems faced by women in, or leaving, abusive relationships.

This month's message is don't treat women like rubbish.

Refuge manager Lorna Kearney says many women find that emotional and psychological abuse is more difficult to deal with, as it erodes their self-esteem and confidence leaving them feeling like rubbish.

She says, "They find this confusing and difficult to prove as there are no physical marks or bruises.

"We want to send a strong message to women that they are not rubbish and not alone. The Refuge is there to help and we will believe you.

"We also want to promote healthy and respectful relationships, one's where there are no power and control issues".