Understand
Concerns raised over Guernsey's new violence against women and girls strategy
Overview
A new strategy is being developed by the Committee for Home Affairs to prevent violence against women and girls in Guernsey and Alderney, aiming to improve support for victims, modernise legislation, and focus on early intervention. While officials state the strategy is in its early stages and will address feedback during consultations, campaigner Poppy Murray has raised concerns that the plan relies on limited data, historic records, and women already engaged with support services.
Key points
- A new strategy to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) is under development in Guernsey and Alderney by the Committee for Home Affairs.
- The initiative aims to strengthen prevention, early intervention through education, and modernise justice processes to be victim-centred.
- Campaigner Poppy Murray welcomed the plan as a step in the right direction but expressed concern that it relies on very limited data and historic records.
- Murray criticised the lack of a clear plan to collect island-wide data and warned that email appeals to victims must be trauma-informed.
- The Home Affairs Committee stated the strategy is in its early stages and concerns will be addressed during upcoming consultation phases.
- Deputy Munazza Malik emphasised that funding and operational focus remain on the issue, building upon previous work from the 2022-2025 domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy.