Charity responds to rise in sex offence reports

Poppy Murray said she was pleased to see the increase in people reporting

An increase in the reporting of sexual offences has shown positive steps have been taken by police and charities to encourage people to come forward, the founder of a charity has said.

Earlier in August, figures showed reporting of sexual offences in Guernsey increased by 46% in 2024.

Analysis of the figures said the rise could be attributed to several factors but increased awareness about sexual misconduct - through movements like #MeToo, campaigns by local charities, and a reduced stigma in reporting such crimes - had all played a role.

Poppy Murray, of SafetyNet, said she was "really encouraged" by the rise as it was an "incredibly good reflection" of efforts made by police and charities.

'Your decision'

She said: "We've said from the start that what really needs to happen is reporting has to increase because if reporting doesn't increase, convictions won't increase.

"Although it sounds strange to say, I was actually really pleased to see that increase and really encouraged to see it."

She said the increase in people reporting was "an incredibly good reflection of the efforts that have been made by the police, of the efforts as well of the charitable sector".

"If you've been the victim of a sexual assault you really do feel that you completely have lost control that's why it's incredibly important that what happens next is your decision."

She added it was "almost indescribable" how difficult it was for victims to deal with what they have been through "let alone then decide 'what do I want to do about this?'".

Acting Det Ch Insp Tanner, from Guernsey Police, said: "We obviously have the establishment of the sexual assault referral centre... and that is a great place for people to go if they're unsure if they want to make a report.

"They're able to go there, they can still capture the evidence so then if they then feel the confidence of going forward they can then come to the police and that evidence isn't lost, they're supported there by specially trained people who can talk them through the process."

He said: "Obviously we want to hear about it so we can report it but we understand it's the victim's choice."

He added the main message was "we will investigate it properly, we will follow all the leads and we will work with you".