Guernsey considers adding stalking and drink spiking as specific offences in new domestic abuse law

Drink spiking, stalking and non-fatal strangulation could be made specific offences in Guernsey under a new law.

A register may also be created for convicted domestic abusers to reduce the risk of reoffending.

The island's Home Affairs Committee is considering adding a second phase of proposals to the Domestic Abuse Law 2024 which is now in the final stages of consultation.

It is expected to be put in front of the States for approval by the end of the year.

Committee member, Deputy Sue Aldwell, says: "This significant piece of work will go a long way toward protecting victims of these horrible offences and ensuring our courts and law enforcement has the powers to punish offenders."

These new measures aim to protect survivors and their families.

The Committee says it would like to get into more schools to spread awareness of domestic abuse and update existing legislation to bring it into the 21st century.

Guernsey's first Violence Against Women and Girls meeting was held in June with issues from domestic abuse to workplace inequality highlighted.

Deputy Aldwell adds: "Joined-up thinking and multi-agency working is very important to tackle the widespread issue of violence against women and girls.

"We continue to partly fund additional training right across the community, from in schools to more extensive training for police and multi-agency teams on domestic abuse."

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