A RISE in rape convictions last year shows that efforts to bring more sex attackers to justice could be starting to pay off, a senior police officer has said.
Eight men were prosecuted last year, compared to just two during 2021 and 2022.
Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey, head of the States police’s criminal investigation department, said the figures showed that the force and prosecuting authorities were “doing better” but acknowledged that “the system isn’t perfect and we have improvements to make”.
Jersey, along with the UK, has had historically low conviction rates for rape and sexual assaults.
Home Office figures revealed that between April and December 2022 there were about 50,000 rape offences recorded by police in England and Wales, but by June last year fewer than 2% had resulted in a charge.
As national Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week begins today, Det Supt Fossey said it was important that victims had the confidence to come forward and report crimes. Reports of rape in Jersey increased significantly from 47 in 2022 to 60 in 2023 – a rise of 28%.
The week-long national campaign raises awareness of the help available to those affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence and aims to empower them to come forward should they need help.
The States police now has an information and support guide – available in English, Portuguese, Polish and, soon, Swahili – for anyone thinking about reporting a sexual offence and wanting to understand the processes involved.
UK statistics show that fewer than one in six people report sexual abuse or violent incidents to the police – and the States police said they wanted to reassure people that if they reported any form of sexual offending, they would be taken seriously, listened to and should know that what happened was not their fault.
Det Supt Fossey, responding to the new figures, said: “We know the system isn’t perfect and we have improvements to make. We will do, and we are doing, better. Last year alone saw eight convictions in the courts.
“It takes a lot of courage for a victim of sexual abuse or violence to come forward and report it. We want them to have confidence in the police, because we are committed to treating people fairly, ensuring they have the appropriate support and seeking justice by pursuing offenders.”
The Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce’s report, published in November, found that a lack of trust in the criminal-justice system was a key theme across the research.
Victim-survivors testified that “a strong belief nothing will be done” was a key barrier to reporting to the police, according to the report.
The taskforce – made up of 20 local professionals working in the subject area – further found that “gaps” in Jersey’s legislation were “undermining the ability of the criminal justice system to protect victim-survivors or effectively manage perpetrators”.
Among its 77 recommendations to government and other agencies, the taskforce has called for an independent review of the Jersey criminal-justice system in relation to domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual assault, as well as a similar review of the family court system.
Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact:
States Police on 01534 612612.
Staff at Dewberry House (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) on 01534 888555.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support on 01534 880505.
