Jersey to introduce non-fatal strangulation legislation by late 2025

Jersey’s ministers have announced that new legislation, which will criminalize non-fatal strangulation, is expected to be submitted to the government no later than December 2025. Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, stated that while such an act could currently be prosecuted as grave and criminal or common assault, she acknowledged that it was “extremely serious and can cause severe and long-lasting impacts for victims.” Le Hegarat further explained that non-fatal strangulation escalates the risk of murder by eight times in contexts of domestic abuse, attributing this to the increased violence exhibited by perpetrators who engage in such acts. Suzie Mahe, a survivor who experienced rape and strangulation by her former partner, expressed satisfaction that the law would be implemented “before it is too late.” According to Le Hegarat, legal officials are presently engaged in the “complex” task of drafting the proposed legislation. She also mentioned that these officers are developing a self-referral system for individuals affected by non-fatal strangulation and establishing training programs for police, medical professionals, and school safeguarding leads to help them identify and address the issue. In England and Wales, non-fatal strangulation has been recognized as an offense since 2022. Ms. Mahe, who has chosen to forgo her right to anonymity, urged for the legislation’s implementation “before it is too late and Jersey has a death as a result of non-fatal strangulation.” Last week, her former partner, Gavin Neil Roberts, aged 45, received a 15-year prison sentence for multiple offenses. Ms. Mahe recounted that she was unaware of the perils associated with non-fatal strangulation until a medical professional informed her of an elevated risk of stroke. She emphasized that “urgent medical attention” and educational initiatives should accompany the legal reforms. “Protecting victims is a must,” she affirmed.