More will be done to help victims of domestic abuse receive help and to escape their situation, the Home Affairs Minister has pledged.

Graham Cregeen was asked by Ann Corlett (Douglas Central) what action DHA will take to encourage businesses and organisations that have an online presence to adopt the use of a discreet portal to provide advice, support and contact information for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Mr Cregeen thanked Mrs Corlett for bringing the portal to his attention and told members that Online Safe Spaces is a ’discreet internet portal that opens in a pop up window which can be installed on both internal and external websites’.

He added: ’It leaves no internet history trace and provides quick exit options for the person seeking information. I would absolutely encourage Isle of Man businesses to get involved in this service.

’I note that at present the directory services offered by the portal does not include the Isle of Man-based services for victims of domestic abuse but I will be asking officers to making enquiries to ensure we can get this done.’

Mrs Corlett suggested to the Keys that a range of websites including government sites and news websites could host the free portal as they are websites that would not arouse suspicion but could provide a ’lifeline’ for those suffering from abuse.