Jersey Justice System Faces Strain Amid Proposed Laws to Protect Women and Girls

Jersey’s criminal justice system is facing “significant pressure,” according to the island’s Home Affairs Minister, a situation likely to worsen if new legislation aimed at protecting women and girls is approved.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat has introduced five draft laws designed to strengthen safeguards against violent crimes, including stalking, strangulation, and the misuse of intimate images.

Speaking on Tuesday, Le Hegarat highlighted that reports of gender-based violence have risen by more than 25% over the past three years, putting both law enforcement and support services under considerable strain. She also pointed to La Moye Prison, which is “currently experiencing intense population pressures.”

 “Currently experiencing intense population pressures.”

Police estimates indicate that if all five proposals are enacted, Jersey could see an additional 270 crimes recorded annually - an 8-9% increase—which would further stretch the criminal justice system.

“This rise in demand, combined with the pressure on associated support services, including third-sector organisations, will require sufficient resources to ensure safe and effective practice,” Le Hegarat said.

What the proposed laws include:The measures, part of the government’s plan to implement recommendations from the 2023 Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce report, would:

• Criminalise possession, creation, or distribution of intimate images

• Make stalking and cyberstalking specific offences

• Recognise strangulation as a standalone crime

• Strengthen laws against threats of sexual violence

• Provide enhanced protections for domestic abuse victims, including pre-conviction emergency barring orders to remove offenders from a victim’s home

Le Hegarat emphasised that while the reforms would increase demands on the justice system, each law has been assessed for financial and staffing implications. For example, making strangulation a distinct offence could result in five additional prison sentences over four years, costing around £1.2 million annually.

The States Assembly is scheduled to debate the draft laws at the end of February.