Jersey courts given new powers to protect domestic abuse victims
Courts in Jersey have new powers to protect domestic abuse victims under a law passed in the States last week.
From today (Wednesday 21 June), judges can impose Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) against perpetrators of abuse.
They can also decide to restrict offenders' movements if it's necessary to protect a victim.
Around 15% of all crimes recorded in Jersey in 2021 were domestic abuse, with 1,151 incidents reported.
The new law defines domestic abuse as abusive behaviour which is physical, sexual, violent or threatening that could involve harassing, neglecting, coercive or controlling actions.
It's seen as an offence between two parties aged 16 and over that occurs on more than one occasion.
Under the legislation passed on last week, people found guilty could be imprisoned for up to five years and given an unlimited fine.
When sentencing, the involvement of children in a domestic abuse case can be treated as an aggravating factor.
The law's powers extend to acts committed outside of Jersey if the offender is a local resident.
Lisa Leventhal, CEO of Jersey Women's Refuge believes the new law will make 'an enormous difference' to peoples' lives and says 'it's about time'.
"We're very happy it's in place and survivors now can validate their experience as not being acceptable and it being criminal behaviour," she says.
"Now we're opening up the door and saying that abuse isn't acceptable."
Ms Leventhal added that the law 'isn't complete' and that there are 'some gaps'.
Jersey's Home Affairs Minister, Deputy Helen Miles, called the legislation a "critical step forward in addressing domestic abuse in Jersey."
She says that it "strengthens legal protections and provides additional support for survivors and sends a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.
Deputy Miles said: "Domestic Abuse is deeply damaging, invidious behaviour, and we know that it causes much harm in our community."
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