Over the same time period, less than five per cent of the girls under 18 who reported rape saw their offenders jailed for the attacks.
In Jersey, since 2008, there have been 775 reported sexual assaults on women and girls including 257 rapes.
Almost half of the alleged victims of rape – 122 – were girls under the age of 18, according to statistics released this week following a freedom of information request.
Sexual assault on those under 18 accounted for one in every two reports made to the police over the past decade.
To date this year, 84 sexual offences have been reported – 31 of those were on young girls – and 31 reports of rape have been made, with 14 relating to girls under 18.
Last year saw the highest number of sexual assaults reported to the police in a single year over the past decade, with 110 reports of rape and sexual assault in 2017. Only three offenders were imprisoned for sex assaults which occurred that year.
The number of people imprisoned for sexual offences peaked in 2015 with 11 convictions arising from 99 reported assaults.
A local charity dedicated to preventing rape and sexual abuse and helping victims heal, Jersey Action Against Rape, has said the stark numbers highlight the importance of its work.
‘JAAR cannot comment on historical rape statistics but what these statistics do, however, highlight is the importance of the work that this charity does,’ a spokeswoman said.
‘A vital part of Jersey Action Against Rape’s ethos is to educate young people in issues surrounding consent. Working with local schools, colleges and more recently sports clubs we tackle difficult topics such as sexual assault, rape and harassment. Through education we can inform people that sexual violence will not be tolerated.’
New laws surrounding sexual assault and rape will come into effect on 23 November as States Members set the appointed day for their adoption during last week’s sitting of the Assembly.
The new laws, which were introduced last year by then Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore, tighten the legal definition of consent and establish a number of new offences in Jersey.
