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New legislation will be brought forward to make non-fatal strangulation a standalone offence by the end of next year, the Home Affairs Minister has pledged.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat confirmed that she has directed officers to work on the law drafting instructions for the development of this offence, and that "work is underway".
It comes after a local restauranteur was last week convicted of a list of violent offences against two women after a nine-day trial earlier this year.
At his sentencing hearing on Friday, Gavin Roberts (45) was described as a repeat offender who regularly got drunk and grabbed women around the neck.
Pictured: Suzie documented the bruises she was left with after being assaulted by Gavin Roberts.
One of his victims, Suzie Mahe, said that she was "so ashamed that Jersey doesn’t have the non-fatal strangulation law".
And Sarah Hamon, who is at the head of the Jersey Domestic Abuse Service, said that the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Law last year was "a missed opportunity" to make non-fatal strangulation a specific offence.
In response, the Home Affairs Minister today confirmed that new legislation to introduce a standalone offence for non-fatal strangulation will be lodged with the Council of Ministers by December 2025 at the latest.
Pictured: Suzie waived her right to anonymity to encourage other women to speak up, and start a push for legislative change to provide more protection for victims.
In a statement, Deputy Hegarat said: “It is important to note that whilst the act of non-fatal strangulation is not yet a standalone offence in Jersey, it can be, and is already, prosecuted locally under the customary offences of grave and criminal assault or common assault.
"I recognise that the act of non-fatal strangulation is extremely serious and can cause severe and long-lasting impacts for victims, including a significantly heightened risk of stroke.
"In the context of domestic abuse, the act of non-fatal strangulation is one of the strongest high-risk markers on the domestic homicide timeline, increasing the risk of homicide by eight times.
"This is because perpetrators who use strangulation are more dangerous."
Pictured: Former police officer Mary Le Hegarat is the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.
She continued: "Following on from my acceptance of the [Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce's] recommendation to introduce a standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation, I have directed officers to work on the law drafting instructions for the development of such an offence and this work is underway.
"The process of developing new legislation is complex and takes time as it is important to ensure that the relevant parties are adequately consulted and that the legislation we introduce serves its intended function."
Deputy Le Hegarat added that, in addition to developing the law around non-fatal strangulation, officers are also working to support the development of a self-referral pathway for victims of non-fatal strangulation, and introduce training on recognising and responding to victims of non-fatal strangulation for health practitioners, police, and safeguarding leads within schools.
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Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:
SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.
Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 880505.
Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496.
Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612.
Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).
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