04 December 2024
A new campaign focused on the impact which sexual harassment can have on women and
girls is the latest part of the Government of Jersey’s ongoing work to tackle violence
against women and girls, VAWG.
Work to address violence and aggression towards women and girls was first launched in
October 2022 by the VAWG Taskforce, under the direction of the former Home Affairs
Minister, Deputy Helen Miles.
The target audience of the latest campaign, called “It’s Not Okay” is young men and boys
aged 16-25. The focus of the campaign – which is both online and has messaging via
posters and stickers – is tackling the street harassment of women and girls. It also
features an animation which reinforces the messaging on the posters.
As part of the Taskforce’s work to understand the nature of violence against women and
girls in Jersey, a public call for evidence was launched. This included a survey of the
general public to find out more about their attitudes and experiences of violence against
women and a safety heatmap where Islanders were invited to pinpoint where they felt
unsafe on the Island.
The Taskforce also undertook a separate, more targeted piece of research, with
professionals, children and young people and victim-survivors.
Anonymous comments made by the women and girls who participated in the Taskforce
research in 2022 are used in the current campaign. Their comments are included on
posters and stickers, to bring attention to the issues raised. Jersey’s secondary schools,
the Jersey Youth Service and clubs and associations who work with young people will
display the posters and stickers.
Speaking about the campaign, Home Affairs Minister, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said:
“VAWG refers to the types of violence that are disproportionately perpetrated against
women and girls. We know that sexist and misogynistic language contribute to a wider
context wherein VAWG is more likely to occur, so it is really important we challenge these
behaviours when we see them.
“I am really pleased to welcome this campaign which marks the latest milestone in our
work to implement the recommendations of the VAWG Taskforce. It’s really impactful to
see authentic, anonymous comments from girls and women used as part of the campaign.
Language and behaviour are a huge part of everyday life – what we say and do matters; our
words and behaviours have consequences; and this is what the campaign asks people to
reflect on.
“The work of the Taskforce was fundamental to our Island’s progress in tackling all forms
of violence against women and girls. I’m grateful to the members of the Taskforce for their
dedication, and for the crucial and ongoing work in this space. I hope the campaign will be
well-supported and give Islanders cause to reflect on the importance of language and
behaviour, and to report to the Police where something isn’t right. We want everyone to
understand that verbal abuse or violence isn’t okay.”
You can find out more about the campaign at: gov.je/itsnotok.
gov.je