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23.05.02
10 Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Home Affairs regarding
Violence against Women and Girls Taskforce (OQ.89/2023)
Given that it has previously been stated that the report from the Independent Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls will be published by April 2023, will the Minister advise when the report and its recommendations will be published?
Deputy H. Miles of St. Brelade (The Minister for Home Affairs):
Publication of the taskforce’s report and recommendations was delayed after the decision was taken to extend the public call for evidence until late January 2023 in order to increase rates of engagement. The qualitative research period was also extended beyond what was initially anticipated, as researchers wanted to ensure there was adequate time to meaningfully engage with professionals, victim survivors and children and young people. The taskforce is now due to publish its report and recommendations in July 2023.
- Deputy C.S. Alves :
I thank the Minister for her answer. How will the Minister handle and implement the recommendations of this report when she currently has no jurisdiction over the court system in Jersey, unlike our counterparts in England and Wales’ Justice Ministry?
Deputy H. Miles :
First of all, it is important that I do not second guess the report. I have not seen the report and I have not seen the recommendations, therefore I am unable to give a comprehensive answer to that question.
- Deputy R.J. Ward :
Does the Minister have faith in the law officer and the courts to make the changes from the report to improve systems for citizens, women and girls, because some of the recommendations could be quite radical?
Deputy H. Miles :
I refer to my previous answer. I have not seen the report, I have not seen the recommendations and I will make up my mind when I do so.
- Deputy R.J. Ward :
Does the Minister believe that perhaps the Minister for Home Affairs, having more power to direct outcomes from such a report, would be useful for her regardless that she has not seen the outcomes yet?
Deputy H. Miles :
As the Deputy well knows, the court service in Jersey remains independent. The Attorney General is a Crown appointment not a Government appointment. The Minister has executive control of the justice function.