Guernsey States agrees sexual violence law update

Guernsey politicians have agreed to draw up new, stronger sexual violence laws.

The Committee for Home Affairs proposed creating new specific offences for spiking, stalking, suffocation or strangulation, female genital mutilation and sexual harassment in a public place.

Deputy Rob Prow, President of the committee, said: "There's still a lot of work to be done but it just shows that domestic abuse and violence against women and girls will not be tolerated. And I think this sends out a powerful message."

Once the new legislation has been drafted it will come back to the Assembly for approval.

Prior to this being debated, Deputy Prow had given an update to States Members about the work done to tackle sexual violence.

Prow said: "Our third sector partners are absolutely crucial to this. Safer, Victim and Witness Support and Safety Net. We worked very closely with them. It's about listening to stakeholders and working with them and engaging with them.

"Also our partnerships with other committees. Of course the police played a major role in advising us and the law officers of the crown. So it's been a huge effort this term but now we're in a much better place but I must stress there is still work to be done."

The Domestic Abuse Law was last updated in October.

When asked about how the committee ensures the success of legislation, Prow said key performance indicators would be used.

He said this was to ensure "the legislation we have brought forward is being used, that we are increasing convictions in the areas we need to and also that we are providing the support that these services are supposed to be delivering."

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