Stalking could become specific offence in Guernsey

Currently there is no specific offence of stalking in the bailiwick

Victims could soon have better legal protection in Guernsey under a proposal to introduce new specific sexual offences, campaigners have said.

The Committee for Home Affairs said the new specific offences included spiking, stalking, suffocation or strangulation, female genital mutilation and sexual harassment in a public place.

President Deputy Rob Prow said the measures were "much-needed in the 21st Century".

Poppy Murray, a campaigner and chairwoman of charity SafetyNet, said it was "reassuring to see these serious issues being given attention".

'Real concerns'

At the moment, there is no specific offence of stalking in the bailiwick, and it can be charged as harassment.

Ms Murray said: "These are real concerns in our community, and I believe that the proposed changes will help deter offenders while encouraging victims to come forward and report incidents."

A new offence could see a prison sentence of up to 10 years for more serious stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress, said the committee.

There are also plans to give police and court greater protection to victims and witnesses of these offences.

This includes Stalking Protection Orders, which allow the police to address stalking concerns before they escalate, and introducing a register of serial domestic abuse and stalking offenders.

'Horrific offences'

The proposals come after the creation of a domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy a new domestic abuse law.

Prow said the committee had "worked tirelessly during this term to vastly improve Guernsey's legislation around sexual offences and domestic abuse".

He said the proposed changes would "allow the criminal justice system to properly deal with offenders who commit these horrific offences".

The proposals will be debated by deputies next month.