Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the key the areas of focus for the States of Jersey Police this year – with specialised training, dedicated units, and improved reporting mechanisms set to be introduced.

The latest four-year Policing Plan – prepared and published by the Jersey Police Authority – has outlined a number of objectives, as part of a “strategic vision” to help the force “deliver exceptional care and protection for islanders while ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of resources”.

The document pledges to continue work addressing violence against women and girls through the development of strategies that align with the National Operating Model for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, and the Joint Domestic Abuse Action Plan.

It comes after the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce report published a report in 2023 outlining key ways to tackle the “very real” issue of violence against women and girls in Jersey.

Among its 77 recommendations to Government and other agencies, it called for an independent review of the Jersey criminal justice system in relation to domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual assault – and a similar review of the family court system.

It also found that “gaps” in Jersey’s legislation were “undermining the ability of the criminal justice system to protect victim-survivors or effectively manage perpetrators”.

Victim testimonies featured in the report revealed that a lack of trust in institutions has become a “barrier” to reporting – with concerns that “emotional abuse isn’t seen as serious enough for the police”.

The police accepted the relevant recommendations, committing to “continuously improving our ability to further build victim trust” at the time.

Specialised training will now be introduced for officers and investigators to “handle sensitive cases with professionalism and victim-centred care”, according to the most recent Policing Plan

Meanwhile, an “enhanced specialist team” will be set up to handle cases of rape, serious sexual offences, and domestic abuse cases to ensure focused expertise.

The document also plans to promote accessible and confidential ways for victims to report crimes – such as online platforms or community outreach initiatives – and conduct public campaigns to raise awareness about domestic abuse, consent, and available support services.

The success of this will be measured through increased reporting rates, improved prosecution rates, victim satisfaction surveys, and a reduction in repeat offences.

“A rise in reports of rape, sexual offences, and domestic abuse can indicate improved trust in the States of Jersey Police and support systems,” the report said.

Chief officer Robin Smith added: “Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has been prioritised through the development of clear strategies and plans that align with the National Operating Model for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) and working
with our partners in the Law Officers’ Department on the Domestic Abuse Action Plan.

“We will take this work forward in 2025, making greater strides to protect the vulnerable in our community.”

In the document’s foreword, Jersey Police Authority chair Simon Harman said: “The plan demonstrates a clear focus on delivering measurable outcomes through collaboration, robust resource management, and a proactive approach to tackling emerging challenges.

“With initiatives such as improving road safety, addressing violence against women and girls, and preventing youth crime, we continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of all islanders, particularly the most vulnerable.”

The plan also referenced the need to make savings to help ease the burden of public financing pressures previously highlighted by the Jersey Police Authority, citing a reduction in police staff numbers – by two full-time-equivalent roles in 2025 and 2.7 in 2026 – as well as a decrease in the Digital Forensics Unit’s growth bid by £47,000 among the measures being taken to achieve this.

Other objectives include improving road safety through targeted enforcement operations and awareness campaigns, as well as a drive to prevent “the unnecessary criminalisation of care-experienced children and young people” through the use of the parish hall system “for appropriate offences”.

“The desired outcomes of this policing plan include significantly reducing the number of young people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, achieved through targeted interventions and early support,” the document stated.

The force will also explore “opportunities” to use artificial intelligence, such as transcription and translation services.

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