The Christmas period is generally a stressful period for everyone. It is also likely to lead to an increase in domestic abuse including domestic violence.

As part of continuing to raise awareness, the Ministry of Equality has arranged for its posters raising awareness on domestic violence to feature on the rear back window of two city service buses of the Gibraltar Bus Company. This is part of the Ministry’s ongoing Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, which includes posters, television adverts aired on GBC and social media and also an exercise with all local schools promoting healthy and respectful relationships for the past couple of years. The TV advert will also run from now until the new year.

The adverts are now visible on these buses and its purpose is to raise visibility of the message that domestic abuse should not be tolerated. The Ministry of Equality wishes for this taboo subject to be put at the forefront of people’s mind so that any instance of abuse is identified and reported immediately.

The Hon. Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento MP, said: “It is vital that victims of domestic abuse speak out. There is no shame in being the victim of abuse and there is help. We think it is important for this community to discuss domestic abuse openly so as to de-stigmatise these issues. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence should contact the Royal Gibraltar Police who will support and make referrals as necessary.”

The Commissioner of the Royal Gibraltar Police, Ian McGrail, said: “The RGP have a ‘positive action’ policy on domestic violence and pursue it with vigour. We are very cognizant that domestic violence has been the cause of most of the serious cases we have dealt with in the past and therefore we apply ourselves fully with strict procedures and processes to address it. No victim should suffer in silence.”

Anyone wanting to report any case of domestic abuse can contact the Royal Gibraltar Police on telephone number 199 (Emergency) or 20072500.