Threats to commit a wider range of sexual offences will carry a maximum ten-year prison sentence from December, as the first of five laws aimed at tackling violence against women and girls comes into force.
The change will extend existing legislation, which already makes it an offence to threaten to kill, rape or cause someone serious physical injury.
From 1 December, threats to commit a wider range of sexual offences will also be covered, with those convicted facing up to ten years in prison and a fine.
The announcement comes as the government prepares for additional pressure on police, prosecutors and victim-support services from the wider package of reforms.
Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles has signed the order bringing the first law – the Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Amendment Law 2026 – into force.
“Threats of sexual violence can cause significant fear and distress, and it is important that Jersey’s laws recognise the seriousness of this behaviour,” she said.
“This change strengthens the law by extending the existing offence to cover threats to commit a wider range of sexual offences.”
The offence applies to threats made by any means, where the person making them intends the recipient to believe they will be carried out.
The amendment is the first of five laws focussed on tackling violence against women adopted by the States Assembly earlier this year.
The wider package includes new intimate-image abuse offences, stalking and harassment legislation, a standalone strangulation offence and emergency measures under domestic abuse legislation to bar alleged abusers before conviction.
Senator Miles said: “It is the first of five laws from our violence against women and girls legislative package to come into force and represents another important step in our work to tackle violence and abuse in Jersey.”
Its introduction falls during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.
Senator Miles recently revealed that recorded crime related to violence against women and girls had increased by around 30% over four years, with 844 offences recorded in 2025. Rape and serious sexual offences increased by 58% over the same period.
She said investigations were becoming more demanding because of digital evidence, reports of older offences and specialist requirements to safeguard victims and prepare cases.
Modelling suggests the five laws together could generate approximately 199 to 369 additional offences by their second year of implementation.
Proposed funding would provide 14 police officer posts to address existing demand, alongside 11 further officers and five specialist police staff to support the new legislation.
Senator Miles said significant investment was needed both to introduce the laws effectively and meet existing demand, with £5 million allocated to fighting violence against women and girls in the proposed government Budget.
Before each law takes effect, the services involved will be required to confirm they are ready – including completing training and agreeing procedures for working together.
