Royal Gazette as "untrue and grossly unfair.'' Some of the complaints about Police handling of domestic abuse complaints highlighted in Thursday's editorial might have been true five or ten years ago, "but definitely not now,'' Police Insp. Roseanda Jones said in a Letter to the Editor.

The editorial said Police, neighbours, and friends "have developed the habit of turning a blind eye'' to domestic abuse.

"Too often the Police know violence has taken place in domestic situations and then drop the charges when the woman, after considering the publicity or after being intimidated by the man's relatives or friends, or the man himself, tries to withdraw the charges,'' it said.

"If a charge is laid and it is justified then it should become a Police matter and the Police should proceed just as they would in any criminal action.'' Insp. Jones said the editorial was "very misleading.'' "There have been cases in the past where the victim has refused to testify but the case has gone through due to other evidence,'' like doctors' reports or other witnesses, she said.

The Police policy was "to resolutely prosecute men who perpetrate violence on a spouse,'' she said.

However, "we must respect the wishes of the victims,'' she said. "There are occasions where family separations, financial matters, testifying in court, etc., usually weigh heavily on the victims in determining their course of action.'' Insp. Jones said Police were sometimes "left with the dilemma of not being able to proceed with a court case when the victim refuses to testify AND we have no further evidence to proceed.'' The Women's Resource Centre now played an active role in the training of constables and sergeants who dealt with domestic issues, she said. "This training will be extending to all ranks next year.'' Recently, Insp. Peter Duffy and P.c. Christopher Clarke received awards from the Women's Resource Centre for their commitment in dealing with domestic violence, she said.