Jersey plans tougher stalking laws to protect victims

Jersey is planning tougher laws to tackle violence against women and girls

Jersey's government has announced plans for tougher stalking laws to make the island a safer place for women and girls.

In 2023, 77 recommendations were made by a taskforce to tackle gender-based violence.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, said she was "committed" to the recommendations.

Recommendations included updating the law in regards to stalking.

Ms Le Hegarat said stalking was already criminalised, but she accepted "further legislative development" could lead to more successful prosecutions.

"I will also consider the option of introducing stalking protection orders to offer better and more immediate protection to victims of stalking behaviour," she added.

Det Supt Alison Fossey, from States of Jersey Police, said a lot of stalking took place online.

She said that meant it could be "more difficult to tackle than someone who's turning up at someone's place of work, or at their house".

"We are investing heavily in our digital forensic unit, because that's where the expertise lies and demand is only going to grow in that area," she said.

'Feel empowered'

The government also agreed to commission an independent review of the court system to more closely supervise offenders who had recently left prison.

It also said it would create new campaigns to increase public awareness and understanding of violence against women and girls.

Kate Wright, chairwoman of the violence against women and girls taskforce, said: "It's really important that men and boys understand what causes violence against women, so they feel empowered to challenge sexist behaviour or inappropriate behaviour when they see it among their peer groups for example."