AN independent review of Jersey’s criminal justice system is due to track the lived experience of victim-survivors from the moment they report an offence, through police investigations, legal proceedings, and ultimately, to the courtroom outcome.
Published today, the first annual Violence Against Women and Girls progress report revealed that an independent review of Jersey’s criminal justice system in relation to domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual offence cases is underway.
The progress report also revealed that – of the 77 recommendations made by the VAWG Taskforce in November 2023 – 27 are complete or require no further action, 42 are in progress, six are awaiting reporting, and eight are not started.
One of the report’s recommendations was to conduct an independent review of Jersey’s criminal justice system in relation to domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual offences.
The report said that the review should be used to determine whether current arrangements within the criminal justice system deliver the best outcomes for victims, defendants and justice.
Today’s update confirmed that the independent review of the criminal justice system is currently underway.
It explained that the reviewer Eleanor Laws KC is considering the “victim’s journey” from the point of initial complaint through to the point of court disposal.
The process includes interviews with victim-survivors who have recently navigated the justice system, analysis of case files, and direct observations of trials and meetings.
Entities involved in the review include the Royal Court, the Magistrate’s Court, the Criminal Division of the Law Officers’ Department, Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support, and Dewberry House.
Publication is scheduled for September 2025.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat 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.
“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.”
