In total the force have unearthed allegations against as many as 45 suspects – some of whom are dead or have not yet been identified – spanning four institutions across the Island.
There are at least 50 alleged victims. Some of the suspects and victims are separate to those identified in the States police’s historical child abuse investigation, Operation Rectangle, which began in 2008.
Last week, national police chiefs released details of investigations into institutionalised child sexual abuse across the British Isles under the banner of Operation Hydrant.
Today, the States police announced that they have launched their own investigation – codenamed Operation Whistle.
The suspected abuse in Jersey, which allegedly took place at the former children’s home Haut de la Garenne, as well as three other unnamed institutions that are no longer functional, dates back to the 1930s.
Detective Superintendent Stewart Gull, who is leading a task force alongside Detective Chief Inspector Alison Fossey to investigate the alleged abuse, said the majority of the allegations relate to the 1970s and 1980s.
And such is the extent of alleged abuse that has been uncovered in Jersey the force has appointed a dedicated unit of six other detectives to handle the complex investigations.
The force say that since the death of Jimmy Savile in 2011, and revelations about his widespread sexual abuse of children came to light, they have seen the number of reports of child sexual abuse in the Island almost double.
The exposure of issues surrounding child sexual exploitation in the Island and the start of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry have also contributed to the rise in the number of reports, according to the police.
But the number of people coming forward is expected to rise as officers say the sexual abuse of children is still a relatively unreported crime.
Det Supt Gull said the force faced a challenging period as they try to balance the protection of children now with bringing justice for those who have been abused in the past.
‘It is a significant investigation that involves around 50 victims.
‘It is paramount that we safeguard and protect vulnerable children now, and we face a challenge to balance expertise and resources in providing justice for victims of historic cases.
‘The investigation has shown a shift in attitudes and victims who have in the past felt unable to speak up, now have the confidence to do so in the knowledge that their claims will be dealt with sensitivity and sincerity.’
