Government acknowledges coercive control as a concern in Jersey
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Mar 10
- 1 min read
Jersey Government Launches Campaign on Coercive Control
The Government of Jersey has launched a domestic abuse campaign to raise awareness of coercive control, highlighting it as a significant issue on the island.
Home Affairs Minister Deputy Mary Le Hegarat stressed that many people are unaware coercive control was made illegal in 2022 under Jersey’s Domestic Abuse Law. The campaign aims to encourage victims to report abuse and seek support.
A 2023 survey found over 85% of victim-survivors had experienced emotional or psychological abuse, with many also reporting financial and controlling behaviour.
Domestic abuse survivor and campaigner Samantha Billingham, who supported the initiative, described coercive control as "horrendous" and called for better education and training to tackle the issue.
Sarah Hamon, of Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support, said more work was needed to remove legal and cultural barriers that prevent victims from coming forward.
