Report shows extent of violence against women in Jersey

Nearly all respondents to a public survey said they had experienced sexual harassment

The findings of a report suggest "most women" in Jersey experience some form of gender-based violence.

The report was produced by the Independent Taskforce for Violence Against Women and Girls, launched last October.

Chair of the Taskforce Kate Wright said the report is a "shocking revelation" of the extent of violence experienced by women and girls.

She said it is a "wake-up call" for the island.

Ms Wright said: "Women and girls deserve to feel safe no matter where they are, whether that be at their place of education or at work, in public spaces, at home or online.

"However, the Taskforce's research shows that this is not the reality for many women and girls in Jersey."

The report is based on research from the general public as well as the opinions of young people, professionals and victim-survivors.

Nearly all people who responded to the general public survey had experienced at least one form of sexual harassment in their lifetime and one in four respondents said they had experienced rape or attempted rape.

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse or harassment, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line here.

'Gaslighting young people'

Taskforce member and CEO of Liberate Vic Tanner-Davy said what most shocked him in the research was the lack of awareness from children and young people about violence against women and girls.

He said: "One of the things that really struck home with me was something the external researchers said - that we're gaslighting our young people."

"We've been saying for years that Jersey is a safe place to live, but if you are experiencing abuse Jersey is not a safe place to live. By perpetrating that myth you are handing power to the abusers because that young person who is being told that myth thinks 'maybe it's just me' and so they don't report it.

"We need to stop that myth and we need to say this is happening. The moment we say that, the moment we accept that we can start to do something about it."

Kate Wright and other taskforce members met on Thursday to share the findings of the report

The report contains 77 recommendations for ways the island could be made safer.

These recommendations are for the Government of Jersey and other organisations with a responsibility to protect women and girls on the island.

They range from significant policy changes such as reviews of the criminal justice and family court systems to practical changes like improved lighting in areas of St Helier.

Mrs Wright said she hopes the report leads to changes.

She said: "The desire to really make a difference this time to the lives of women and girls needs to come from Government, the judiciary and other key stakeholders across the system but that also needs to come from the public.

"I really don't want this report to be another that gets a few headlines and then gets forgotten about."

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