First law in Violence Against Women and Girls package to come into force

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 12:24

The first law in the Government's work to directly tackle Violence Against Women and Girls will come into force on 1 December.

It is currently a criminal offence to threaten to rape, kill, or seriously harm someone.

From December, that law will be adjusted to also cover threats to commit a wider range of sexual offences.

Those convicted would face up to 10 years in prison and a fine.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Senator Helen Miles, said:

“Threats of sexual violence can cause significant fear and distress, and it is important that Jersey’s laws recognise the seriousness of this behaviour.

“This change strengthens the law by extending the existing offence to cover threats to commit a wider range of sexual offences.

“It is the first of five laws from our Violence Against Women and Girls legislative package to come into force and represents another important step in our work to tackle violence and abuse in Jersey.”

There are five VAWG-related laws due to come into effect at later dates, after being adopted by the States Assembly in March this year.

They include intimate image abuse, the creation of AI deepfakes, stalking and strangulation.

Read: Stalking law set to come into force 'early next year'

The laws are part of a legislative overhaul involving the government, the criminal justice system, health and care, education and support services to protect survivors of sexual crimes, the need for which was identified by a task force in 2023.

77 recommendations were made.

Support services:

Victims First Jersey: 0800 7351612 or email victimsfirstjersey@gov.je

Protection against stalking: Protection Against Stalking | Look Forward Not Behind

Suzy Lamplugh Trust: Suzy Lamplugh Trust

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 8020300

Revenge Porn Helpline (18+): Revenge Porn Helpline - 0345 6000 459 | Revenge Porn Helpline

The Cyber Helpline: The Cyber Helpline | Free support with online threats

Paladin Service: Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service | Paladin Service

If it's an emergency, call 999. More information here.