Latest news with #JusticeAndHomeAffairs
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Abuse victims on work permits get better support
People fleeing domestic abuse who are in Jersey on work permits will be offered more support as part of a shift in government policy. In what officials described as a "significant" change, survivors can now access emergency housing and 13 weeks of financial support. It is part of Jersey's wider action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, following a landmark report published last year. More than half of the 77 recommendations made in that report are now under way. Previously, some individuals on short-term permits were excluded from financial aid and housing options - a gap campaigners had long criticised as leaving victims trapped in unsafe situations. Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, said: "That change - guaranteeing 13 weeks' pay - is already making a significant difference." She added that 42 of the 77 action points are currently in progress, with legislative reform also high on the agenda. "We're determined to complete as many as possible by the end of the term," she said. "The legislative changes need to be ready for debate before the next election - that's a key priority." Early intervention and training The government is also rolling out wider training for frontline workers, aimed at identifying early signs of abuse and coercive control. This includes sessions for teachers, housing staff, veterinary professionals and social services - all sectors considered well-placed to spot warning signs. "The more people trained to spot the signs, the more chance we have to intervene before abuse escalates," said Le Hegarat. More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey Culture change must begin early, she added, highlighting a peer-led programme in schools where older students deliver sessions about healthy relationships to younger pupils. She also emphasised that sustainable funding is essential for victims to feel safe reporting abuse - and to ensure services remain in place. "This can't just be a time-limited project. Ongoing funding is essential so that victims feel safe to come forward - and know support will still be there," she said. While acknowledging that challenges remain, the government said the island's progress was "on track". Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to More on this story Progress 'being made on violence against women' 'Jersey's domestic abuse law is failing survivors' Related internet links States of Jersey
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Abuse victims on work permits in Jersey to get better support
People fleeing domestic abuse who are in Jersey on work permits will be offered more support as part of a shift in government what officials described as a "significant" change, survivors can now access emergency housing and 13 weeks of financial is part of Jersey's wider action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, following a landmark report published last year. More than half of the 77 recommendations made in that report are now under way. Previously, some individuals on short-term permits were excluded from financial aid and housing options - a gap campaigners had long criticised as leaving victims trapped in unsafe Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, said: "That change - guaranteeing 13 weeks' pay - is already making a significant difference." She added that 42 of the 77 action points are currently in progress, with legislative reform also high on the agenda."We're determined to complete as many as possible by the end of the term," she said."The legislative changes need to be ready for debate before the next election - that's a key priority." Early intervention and training The government is also rolling out wider training for frontline workers, aimed at identifying early signs of abuse and coercive includes sessions for teachers, housing staff, veterinary professionals and social services - all sectors considered well-placed to spot warning signs."The more people trained to spot the signs, the more chance we have to intervene before abuse escalates," said Le Hegarat. Culture change must begin early, she added, highlighting a peer-led programme in schools where older students deliver sessions about healthy relationships to younger also emphasised that sustainable funding is essential for victims to feel safe reporting abuse - and to ensure services remain in place."This can't just be a time-limited project. Ongoing funding is essential so that victims feel safe to come forward - and know support will still be there," she acknowledging that challenges remain, the government said the island's progress was "on track".
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Progress 'being made on violence against women'
Jersey's government is making progress in tackling recommendations from the island's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce, a report says. In 2023, the group made 77 recommendations to government after its research found "most women" in Jersey experienced some form of gender-based violence. The government's progress report has shown 27 of the recommendations were complete, 42 were in progress, six weare awaiting reporting and eight had not been started. Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Mary Le Hegarat, who launched the taskforce in 2022, said she was proud of the progress but added there was still "considerable work ahead". The taskforce undertook research with victims, children and young people, professional services and the general public in Jersey. Recommendations were made to the government and its key partners in categories including training, independent reviews and education. The government report showed completed recommendations included creating a dataset on harmful sexual behaviour and increasing a police presence in certain areas. Recommendations not started included developing an education programme for parents and a review of the domestic abuse law. In March 2024, the government committed to publishing annual updates on progress toward implementing all 77 recommendations. Deputy Le Hegarat said the first annual report shows the government has made "significant progress". She said: "I believe that we can be proud of the progress achieved so far. But there is considerable work ahead to achieve lasting change, and we remain committed to seeing through the implementation of all the recommendations. "The taskforce identified that VAWG in Jersey was 'a hidden problem', and that this lack of awareness, or lack of priority, was a fundamental aspect of the problem that needed to be addressed to effectively understand and address the issue." Le Hegarat added: "My hope is that this annual report, and those that follow it, will serve to ensure that the issue remains at the forefront of our minds." More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to March calls for end to violence against women and girls Jersey government accepts women violence report 'Shocking' report reveals violence against women Taskforce to tackle violence against women Government of Jersey - Violence against women and girls
