“Significant increases” in violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual offending last year have been highlighted by the police’s latest annual report.
The 40-page document prepared by the Jersey Police Authority also notes an “obligation to deliver high-quality, victim-focused investigations”, amid increased reporting of such offences, which cause “profound harm”.
Its publication comes at the same time as Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat released a progress report on the implementation of recommendations made by the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce.
It outlines a number of “key developments” that have taken place over the past year, including the adoption of new legislation to address crimes associated with violence against women and girls, approved by the States Assembly in March.
This included a new law to address harassment and stalking, the creation of new intimate image abuse offences, the insertion of emergency barring orders into the existing law on domestic abuse, the creation of a standalone offence of strangulation, and amendments to the existing threats offence.
Among other areas of focus documented by the report was an independent review of the criminal justice system in relation to the response and management of domestic abuse, rape and other sexual assault cases.
It highlighted the 77 recommendations made by the VAWG Taskforce, which amounted to 109 separate actions – with 68 completed, 37 in progress, and four yet to be started.
These offences cause profound harm and place considerable pressure on our investigative teams
Police chief robin Smith
Writing in the forward of the annual police report, chief officer Robin Smith stated that – while overall crime remains low – 2025 saw “significant increases” in violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual offending.
He said: “These offences cause profound harm and place considerable pressure on our investigative teams, particularly within the Criminal Investigations Department and the Public Protection Unit.”
Mr Smith continued: “The Government of Jersey’s Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan, alongside recent legislative change, has strengthened protections for women and girls and improved the system‑wide response.
“Increased reporting reflects growing confidence in policing and partners, but it also brings an obligation to deliver high‑quality, victim‑focused investigations.”
The annual police report also raised concerns over the force’s current headcount of around 195 officers, which is lower than comparable jurisdictions and described as “not sustainable with the increasing policing demand, particularly for violence against women and girls”.
It added: “In preparation for the introduction of new legislation, States of Jersey Police will continue to use College of Policing modelling tools to establish the optimum officer numbers required to appropriately manage the demand.”