10 March 2025
A new campaign to highlight the issue and dangers of coercive control is the latest part of the
Government of Jersey’s ongoing work to tackle violence against women and girls, VAWG, has been launched.
The campaign, which launched just after International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March,
highlights the fact that coercive control, which can be hidden and subtle, is a form of abuse,
and is an issue in the Island. It also points to support services in the Island.
Statistics taken from a VAWG survey with victim-survivors carried out in 2023 show that:
- Over 85% of victim-survivors surveyed had experienced emotional or psychological
abuse
- 85% of victim-survivors surveyed had experienced jealous and/or controlling behaviour
- Over 57% of victim-survivors surveyed reported experiencing financial or economic
abuse.
Coercive control can include, but is not limited to: financial control, control over someone’s
appearance, social control and limiting contact with loved ones.
UK-based Sam Billingham is a victim-survivor of coercive control and runs the charity Strong
Beginnings. Sam is undertaking interviews with local media to help raise awareness of the
issue, support the campaign and share her story.
Samantha said: “For me, joining this awareness campaign focusing on coercive control is a
powerful reminder that we are not alone. By raising our voices together, not only are we shining
a light on the issue but together we can support those in need and inspire change."
The campaign will also feature videos and will run on the Government of Jersey’s social media
channels.
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said: “I am pleased to launch
this important campaign, following the success of the 'It’s Not Okay' VAWG campaign in
December last year.
“Committing to the safety of women and girls in Jersey is one of the Government’s Common
Strategic Priorities. In ensuring a safer Island, we are committed to implement the
recommendations from the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce Report, and this
campaign emphasises the commitment of the Council of Ministers to this aim.
"When the Government brought forward the Domestic Abuse Law, coercive or controlling
behaviour was made an offence because it was acknowledged that this kind of behaviour can
have a really damaging impact on victims, and their wider families. This campaign seeks to
highlight this and remind those who are suffering this kind of behaviour that they can report it
and they will be supported if they do.”
Superintendent Alison Fossey from the States of Jersey Police said: “We recently launched our
Policing Plan for the next four years, and tackling violence against women and girls is one of the
key areas of focus for us this year. Among other things, we are building on our response to, and
investigation of, domestic abuse and implementing an action plan to ensure we exploit the new
law to its fullest.
“26 offenders have been made subject of notification orders and we recorded 105 offences
under the new Domestic Abuse Law. We also saw an increase of 44 per cent in the use of
Clare’s Law following a successful campaign.
“There still remains much to do, but islanders can be confident that States of Jersey Police take
all and any alleged offences which relate to violence against women and girls seriously."​
gov.je