Law change will make more sexual threats illegal

The first of five new laws to protect women and girls is due to come into force within weeks.

While it is an offence to threaten to kill, rape or cause someone serious physical injury, from 1 December the law in Jersey will also cover threats to commit a wider range of sexual offences.

The change is one of five laws to tackle violence against women and girls adopted by the States Assembly in March 2026.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, senator Helen Miles said: "Threats of sexual violence can cause significant fear and distress, and it is important that Jersey's laws recognise the seriousness of this behaviour."

The new offence will apply where someone makes a threat, by any means, and intends the person receiving it to believe the threat will be carried out.

Those convicted will face up to 10 years in prison and a fine.

The other laws adopted in March include stand-alone offences for stalking and non-fatal strangulation.

There will also be a law to better protect and punish online abuse, such as revenge porn, cyber flashing and deep fakes.

In April the island's police chief said Jersey has seen "significant increases in violence against women and girls".

He said an action plan on the matter, alongside changes in the law, had "strengthened protections for women and girls and improved the system-wide response".

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