Rise in sexual offences due to more reporting
GUERNSEY saw a 40% increase in sexual offences reported last year due to increased reporting, head of law enforcement Ruari Hardy has said.
The figures released in the BLE annual report show there were 174 crimes reported last year, up from 125 the year before.
It was also a sharp increase from 2020, when there were 112 sexual offences reported.
The most common reported crimes among these were rape and sexual assault, with 36 crimes reported each.
This compares with 35 cases of rape reported in 2021, but no cases of sexual assault.
Mr Hardy said that this was due to new sexual offences legislation, which came in on 1 March 2022 and introduced four new non-consensual offences – rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault and sexual coercion.
He did not think the 40% increase in offences was due to them becoming more prevalent in society.
‘People are simply reporting much more regularly. There has been an increase in public confidence and the level of engagement is now much better.’
Guernsey Police has also been working to tackle the issue of violence and intimidation against women.
The police delivered a survey in 2022 on violence, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour within Guernsey’s night-time economy.
984 people responded to the survey, with 572 people experiencing physical or sexual abuse and 566 experiencing verbal abuse or inappropriate comments.
Mr Hardy said the force’s #ShowSomeRespect campaign had also been a priority.
‘During 2022 the volume of sexual offences was noted to be increasing due to better reporting in terms of the night time economy.’
The force is working to tackle the issue, with nine new CCTV cameras in and around Town.
It is also planning to increase the number of prosecutions of low level sexual assaults and implement new screening kits for drink spiking.
‘This organisation is adamant that it will address the behaviour towards women and girls by some within our community who seek to perpetrate sexual offence,’ Mr Hardy said.
‘This will not be tolerated. It must also be stated that violence, abuse, and intimidation against anyone is unacceptable, and we will always be open to support anyone who is a victim of it.
‘That said, statistically women are victim to these behaviours much more regularly, and are affected disproportionately. That is why, in line with other forces, the campaign and survey put an emphasis on women. I stress however, if anyone is a victim, we would encourage them to make a report.’
He added that the new Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which opened its doors in March, offered another layer of support for victims of sexual offences.
