Progress 'being made on violence against women'

Jersey's government is making progress in tackling recommendations from the island's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce, a report says.

In 2023, the group made 77 recommendations to government after its research found "most women" in Jersey experienced some form of gender-based violence.

The government's progress report has shown 27 of the recommendations were complete, 42 were in progress, six weare awaiting reporting and eight had not been started.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Mary Le Hegarat, who launched the taskforce in 2022, said she was proud of the progress but added there was still "considerable work ahead".

The taskforce undertook research with victims, children and young people, professional services and the general public in Jersey.

Recommendations were made to the government and its key partners in categories including training, independent reviews and education.

The government report showed completed recommendations included creating a dataset on harmful sexual behaviour and increasing a police presence in certain areas.

Recommendations not started included developing an education programme for parents and a review of the domestic abuse law.

In March 2024, the government committed to publishing annual updates on progress toward implementing all 77 recommendations.

Deputy Le Hegarat said the first annual report shows the government has made "significant progress".

She said: "I believe that we can be proud of the progress achieved so far. But there is considerable work ahead to achieve lasting change, and we remain committed to seeing through the implementation of all the recommendations.

"The taskforce identified that VAWG in Jersey was 'a hidden problem', and that this lack of awareness, or lack of priority, was a fundamental aspect of the problem that needed to be addressed to effectively understand and address the issue."

Le Hegarat added: "My hope is that this annual report, and those that follow it, will serve to ensure that the issue remains at the forefront of our minds."

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