Domestic abuse in Jersey

WQ.34/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

BY DEPUTY L.M.C. DOUBLET OF ST. SAVIOUR

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2026

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2026

Question

"In relation to domestic abuse in Jersey, will the Minister provide the following for each of the last 5 years, including both the number and as a percentage of the population –

1. estimated incidents of domestic abuse;
2. reported incidents where, after initial investigation, the Police concluded that no notifiable crime was committed;
3. recorded incidents of domestic abuse crimes;
4. domestic abuse crimes that were subsequently prosecuted; and
5. successful prosecutions?"

Answer

Methodology

- Where possible, data for questions c), d) and e) was obtained from previous freedom of information requests [1]The remaining data was extracted from States of Jersey Police systems

- To obtain and present these figures as a proportion of the population, a per 1000 population calculation is used. [2]

- Question a-b) is taken to mean recorded domestic abuse incidents

- Question c) is taken to mean recorded domestic abuse crimes

- Question d) is taken to mean those domestic abuse crimes which result in a charge or parish hall enquiry

- Question e) is taken to mean convictions

*Please note that the lower numbers of charge/PHE and convictions for 2025 reflects the fact that a number of crimes from 2025 remain under investigation or are detected offences waiting on a Court appearance. These may result in convictions in due course.

Over the past two years, there has been an increase in crimes reported to the police. However, there has also been a rise in the number of victims who choose not to support a criminal prosecution. This can happen for many complex and often deeply personal reasons.

When victims do not support a prosecution, it results in fewer cases being detected, charged, and ultimately convicted. This has contributed to a declining overall conviction rate.

The States of Jersey Police are not complacent about these figures. There is a clear need to address the gap between the number of crimes reported and the number that result in convictions. This responsibility does not lie solely with the States of Jersey Police; we are committed to working closely with the Law Officers' Department to bring as many cases as possible to justice.

Strengthening Protections for Victims of Domestic Abuse

 A key development is included in the draft Domestic Abuse (Jersey) Amendment Law 202 which proposes new measures to strengthen protections for victims, even before a perpetrator is convicted.

Currently, Jersey law does not allow preconviction emergency barring orders. This means police cannot require a suspected perpetrator of domestic abuse to leave the victim's residence or prevent contact while an investigation is ongoing. As a result, police have limited tools to safeguard victims when an offence has not yet resulted in conviction.

The introduction of emergency barring notices and orders aims to:

• Provide immediate protection for victims

• Reduce fear and risk

• Encourage more victims to feel safe supporting a prosecution

Other Actions to Improve Outcomes for Victims underway, include:

Early Referrals to Support Services: The States of Jersey Police will ensure early referrals to organisations such as JDAS and FREEDA. These services can provide specialist support, safety planning, and guidance.

Encouraging Use of the KULPA App: The KULPA app allows victims to safely record and store evidence until they feel ready to report to the police. This helps victims build a record of abuse safely and privately, which can increase confidence when deciding whether to proceed with prosecution. Key safety features include:

• A PINprotected login, similar to a banking app
• The ability to upload evidence and then remove the app from the device
• All evidence is securely stored in a private cloud, accessible only when the victim chooses to share it

Reviewing Police Response: The States of Jersey Police will undertake a project reviewing hours of bodyworn video footage and investigations to assess:

• The quality of initial police response
• The standard of investigations
• Opportunities for learning and improvements
• Examples of best practice to build upon

[1] ID FOI 7724 Domestic Abuse Tables 20240823.pdf

[2] Population | Statistics Jersey – 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 population figures used. 2024 figure is applied to 2025.