Increase in number of victims seeking help from Island charities

27 referrals to Victim Support since start of 2024

Twenty-seven.

That's the number of new referrals a charity which helps the victims of crime has received since the start of the year.

But is the Island doing enough to help those who find themselves in difficult situations?

Sexual harassment

The figure has been revealed in the week that Crimestoppers UK launched a new national campaign to raise awareness about sexual harassment in public places.

It claims more than 70 percent of women in the United Kingdom have been subject to it.

The campaign to tackle violence against women and girls encourages those who witness sexual harassment to speak up – anonymously – to the charity.  

Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour, of a sexual nature, that violates a person’s dignity and makes them feel intimated, humiliated or degraded.

Crimestoppers says everyone has the power to stop this from happening by challenging sexual entitlement and reporting it – either via the police or by calling 0800 555111.

Karen Ramsey is the chairperson of the Isle of Man branch:

Victims of crime

Domestic violence and sexual harassment are in the top five reported crimes on the Island.

Those who are affected by the issues often find support from Victim Support.

Lorna Trevethan is the chief executive and says referrals have jumped from 18 to 27 so far this year.

But she’s told Manx Radio she's encouraged by the increase:

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.