Guernsey Police record 485 domestic abuse offences in eight months and use new powers to protect victims
- New domestic abuse laws introduced in June 2025 provide stronger safeguards for victims.
- Domestic Abuse Protection Notices can prevent offenders from contacting victims for up to 72 hours.
- Domestic Abuse Protection Orders can restrict contact for up to two years.
- 485 domestic abuse offences have been recorded between June 2025 and January 2026.
- Efforts include collaboration with Probation services and the charity Safer to prevent abuse and support survivors.
Guernsey Police is enhancing its approach to tackling domestic abuse through the implementation of new legislation introduced in June.
These changes aim to provide better safeguards for victims and impose stricter consequences on offenders.
The enforcement of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices allows authorities to prevent alleged offenders from contacting victims or accessing their homes for a period of up to 72 hours. This short-term measure ensures safety until a court hearing can take place.
Additionally, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders offer longer-term protections, restricting contact for up to two years and extending beyond the 28-day limit commonly seen in the UK.
Violating a DAPN can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years, while breaching a DAPO can result in a maximum sentence of five years. The new legislation recognises coercive control and non-physical forms of abuse as criminal offences, thereby strengthening law enforcement's capability to address domestic abuse comprehensively.
The data from June 2025 to 14 January 2026 highlights the impact of these measures: 485 domestic abuse offences have been recorded, with 66 arrests made, 13 DAPNs issued, and 11 DAPOs secured.
There were two prosecutions for breaches of DAPOs.
Pre-charge bail conditions are also integral to victim safety, providing a crucial layer of protection against further harm while cases are pending. Where bail conditions conclude, DAPNs can serve as a temporary protective measure until a DAPO hearing occurs.
Guernsey Police is dedicated to collaborating with the Public Protection Unit and Offender Management Unit to ensure robust enforcement of protection orders.
Guernsey Police remains committed to further developing its domestic abuse strategies. Officers participate in specialised training, and cases are regularly reviewed to identify lessons learned and any potential areas for refinement.
Superintendent Liam Johnson said: “This legislation has given us the ability to step in earlier and with far greater impact.
"It reflects best practice from the UK but goes even further in key areas, allowing us to offer stronger, longer-lasting protection to those who need it most.”
He emphasised the importance of continuous improvement in the police's response to domestic abuse.
Detective Inspector Nicole Thomas added, “For the first time, all forms of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, are recognised clearly in law.
"That means we can act more decisively, put safeguards in place sooner, and support victims even when a case hasn’t yet reached the courts.”
She highlighted the significant, long-lasting effects that domestic abuse has on survivors and the necessity for robust support mechanisms.
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