Police answer 15 calls over domestic violence
(CNS): Although reporting a relatively quiet Christmas period with no death or serious injury police said they were forced to attend to nine reports of domestic disputes on Christmas Day and another six on Boxing Day. Officers were also concerned about the number of disturbances over the four day holiday at licensed premises one of which resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old man for grievous bodily harm.
Acting Inspector Doris Morris of the Family Support Unit (FSU) said that the combination of family stress and alcohol combine to increase the number of domestic incidents which kept officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s FSU busy over the holidays incidents.
“While the holiday period can be a very relaxing and enjoyable time for some, unfortunately this isn’t the case for everybody. Although domestic abuse and domestic violence is a year round problem, the number of reports we receive often increases around holiday periods. A combination of factors can attribute to this including the various stresses people associate with Christmas, the amount of time a family spends together and the fact that more alcohol is consumed,” said Morris.
The RCIPS remains committed to tackling domestic abuse and she said it reaffirms that all incidents will be dealt with appropriately; supporting the victim, dealing positively with offenders, making arrests where possible and gathering the best evidence so prosecutions can be made.
Another area of concern over the Christmas period was of disturbances at liquor licensed premises. Over the four day period (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27 & 28 December) the RCIPS responded to 9 reports of disturbances at liquor licensed premises. One incident occurred at O’bar in the early hours of Boxing Day at around 2.30am when the 911 Emergency Communities Centre received a call from a security guard atthe nightclub reporting that a man had been assaulted. Police and medics responded and found that a 28-year-old man had received a laceration to his head, thought to be caused by a bottle. The man was taken to hospital for treatment. Police arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm.
On Saturday, at around 2.10am, the 911 Emergency Communications Centre received a call from a security guard at Next Level reporting that a fight was taking place in the car park adjacent to the nightclub. Police and medics responded to the scene and found that a 21-year-old man had sustained a laceration to his face. It is believed that he was punched in the face while inside the club. The man stated that he would attend hospital in his own time.
The RCIPS said that it has been working hard with liquor licensed premises and the Liquor Licensing Board to address issues that occur at bars and clubs. Proactive teams have been patrolling areas and paying particular attention to closing times at bars to help prevent offences taking place. This approach will continue over the New Year period.
Meanwhile a number of arrests were also made over the Christmas period by police teams in West Bay, George Town and the Eastern districts for drug and other offences. Six people were arrested during an operation by the George Town proactive team on suspicion of various offences including driving offences, possession of ganja, consumption of a controlled drug and disorderly conduct; Four people were arrested by the West Bay proactive team on suspicion of various drug offences including possession of cocaine, possession of ganja with intent to supply, possession of ganja and consumption of a controlled drug; One man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to supply; One man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine; Two men were arrested on suspicion of theft and damage to property; Three men were arrested on suspicion of theft; One man arrested was arrested on suspicion of possession of drug utensils and consumption of a controlled drug; Two men were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct; One man was arrested on suspicion of possession of ganja and consumption of a controlled drug; One man was arrested in North Side on suspicion of threatening violence; One woman was arrested in North Side on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm and disorderly conduct at a police station.
The RCIPS said that criminality and violence will not be tolerated in the Cayman Islands. Proactive teams will continue to operate in all districts to help prevent crime, respond quickly and efficiently to incidents and assist in making sure people feel safe as they go about their business. Police also urged residents to play their part in keeping Cayman safe by looking out for each other, keep an eye on their neighbourhoods and report any suspicious activity to police or Crime Stoppers. People can call Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.
Category: Headline News
EDUCATION IS A KEY TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Education in schools, radio and TV shows, can play a major role in combating Domestic violence. It is not something that can be eradicated because it has been going on from the begining of time, but as we learn more about life and its qualities of good living we can gradually change through Education.
During the Holiday Season, you will find that often times, persons want to make changes in their lives, some they express, and some they do not. Some husbands feel that they have not given enough to the family at Christmas time, and go out and get drunk.
Some wives feel they have not received enough from their husband and pick a fight.
Some children want too much from their parents and are not thankful enough.
If a family member want to make changes for the better in living or in thoughts, they are going to definately have a fight., physically and mentally with the Prince of Darkness. Husbands, wives, children, sisters brothers and friends will feel stressed and oppressed. If we decide to let Old Habits die hard, one year will roll into another without any trouble.
For the New year I would especially like to hear that children at the schools are made aware of what is domestic violence, Every now and then I would like to see something on the TV or hear on the radio how we can deal with domestic voilence. Flyers in our mail box at Christmas and New Year. Domestic violence has touched the lives of many, been there and done that.
This year I hope we all can go the extra mile in helping someone, choose a child, choose a friend who has suffered domestic violence.
Remember that domesic violence can be a long chain, where a link can end up in your business, your home or evenyour life. Help make a difference this year.