JERSEY’S justice system needs a major injection of staff and resources to cope with new laws protecting women and girls, with prosecutors warning of a sharp rise in cases and the Island’s forensic laboratory already operating beyond capacity.
Funding proposed for 2027 would support 32 new full-time posts to help implement the laws, as part of a wider package covering 49 posts – including police officers, prosecutors and court staff, specialist domestic abuse advisers and therapeutic support for victims.
States Members approved the package of five laws on violence against women and girls in March. It introduces new intimate-image abuse offences, stalking and harassment legislation, emergency domestic abuse protections and a standalone strangulation offence, while widening the existing threats offence.
The scale of the pressures was detailed in a written response from Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles to Deputy Sam Gleave, who requested a breakdown of the £5 million allocated to tackling violence against women and girls in next year’s proposed Budget.
The Law Officers’ Department expects the new legislation to generate between 145 and 225 additional cases annually – an increase in workload of between 25% and 38%.
Its criminal division “cannot accommodate such a significant increase in workload on current resource levels”, said Senator Miles.
Three additional legal advisers are proposed, alongside three court proceedings officers and a court enforcement officer. Further funding would provide extra ushers and relief magistrates when needed.
Meanwhile, the Official Analyst’s Laboratory – which analyses forensic evidence for police investigations and court cases – is “already operating beyond capacity with a significant backlog”.
The minister warned that, without investment, there is “a clear risk that the Island will be unable to deliver on its legislative commitments” – resulting in delays, an increased risk of legal challenges and reduced protection for victims.
Two additional analysts would help meet demand arising from legislation covering violence against women and girls, drug-driving and CBD products.
Senator Miles said a significant share of the proposed funding would also address existing demand, which had steadily increased following the VAWG Taskforce’s work and the government’s commitment to tackling the issue.
Police and victim services would receive just under £2.9 million. New detective posts would comprise 19 constables, four sergeants and two inspectors, with 14 posts addressing current demand and 11 supporting the new laws.
Other proposed roles include digital forensic specialists, a clinical director, four domestic abuse advisers – including two supporting victims through family court proceedings – and a specialist therapist within the Health Department.
The breakdown also identifies £434,000 for training and communications and £50,000 for a follow-up review by Eleanor Laws KC of progress on criminal justice recommendations.
The minister defended statutory services being the main funding recipients, saying they would have primary responsibility for implementing the legislation.
“When States Members voted to adopt this package of legislation, they did so with the knowledge that significant investment would be required to safely and effectively enact these new laws,” she said.
