THE government is being urged to set a firm deadline for publishing draft legislation designed to tackle violence against women and girls in a bid to ensure the work continues after a new Assembly is elected next year.
A Budget amendment put forward by Constable Karen Stone would, if supported by politicians during next week’s debate, require the Home Affairs Minister to publish the draft law and the estimated funding needed to implement it before April 2026.
It also seeks a progress update on the recommendations of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce to be included in the 2026 annual report, showing which actions have been completed up to 1 May 2026.
In 2023, the independent group made 77 recommendations to the government after its research found “most women” in Jersey experienced some form of gender-based violence.
Under the government’s current draft spending plans, financing for new VAWG legislation is due to appear in the 2027 Budget.
This is because of “addition[al] resources for the Police and other departments, who are already seeing increased demand in these areas.”
In a report accompanying her amendment, Connétable Shenton Stone said it was important for the current Council of Ministers to identify which recommendations from the Taskforce remain outstanding and what funding will be needed.
She wrote: “It is, therefore, imperative that this Council of Ministers is transparent in identifying which recommendations made by the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce have yet to be completed, and what funding it has estimated will be required within the 2027 Budget.
“The publication of this report will guarantee that Islanders will have the opportunity to hold both the election’s candidates and the next Government to account so that this funding is included within the 2027 Budget.”
