Jersey Police is reminding islanders that it is never too late to report crimes of sexual abuse, no matter how much time has passed.

Over the last five years, 218 cases of non-recent sexual abuse have been reported to the States of Jersey Police, which accounts for 25-30% of all recorded sexual offences. 

These number covers crimes such as rape and sexual assault, and also crimes against children such as sexual abuse and grooming. 

In this time period, around a quarter (24%) of those historical offences resulted in cases going to court, with perpetrators being sentenced to a cumulative 53 years in prison.

Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey says, whilst the charge rate could be higher, she hopes it will be reassuring to survivors thinking of coming forward:

"We see that (the charge rate) as positive. Obviously a lot of people must think that non-recent cases are challenging and difficult to investigate and prosecute, which of course they are, but they certainly aren't impossible, as those figures show you.

"There's lots of evidence that we can look to to secure to support victims' accounts, even though the offences happened a long time ago, we will always do the upmost to conduct a thorough investigation and present the strongest case we can to the Law Officers for a decision about charge."

Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey

Detective Constable Caroline Foord has this message for anyone in Jersey thinking about coming forward: 

"If you want to report a matter that involves sexual abuse that may be historical, then I would urge you to come forward and make that phone call to the police and ask to speak to somebody.

"You'll be referred to somebody who can have a chat with you and explain the process. It may be that's a difficult thing to do, but by all means speak to your GP or ask for a close friend to come with you. You can go to Dewsbury House and they would be happy to arrange you to go down and then arrange for a police officer to come down and speak with you.

"Sometimes the thought of going to a police station or phoning the police station is actually quite daunting and we recognise that first step needs to be made as easy as possible, at least just to engage and have an initial conversation, even if you don't want to take it any further."