Victims of sex offences are being promised greater protection under a new law that comes into effect today.

The updated Sexual Offences legislation more clearly defines consent, and makes it clear that people of any gender can be a victim of sex crimes.

"Consent cannot be given if a person is asleep, unconscious or incapable of consenting due to alcohol or any other substance.  Furthermore, consent can be taken back at any time before or during the act; if the act still takes place or continues then it does so without consent."

Attackers who have had previous sexual relations with victim will not longer be able to use that as a defence.

The new law makes a specific offence of upskirting - taking photos up a person's skirt - and it provides for sentences of up to ten years in prison for anyone convicted of child grooming.

The changes have been welcomed by organisation that work with victims.

" I am proud that our government has taken action in implementing the new legislation.  These types of crime have a devastating impact on all aspects of a victim's life, and laws must be in place to ensure protection and access to justice.  I hope this new law will be a major step forward in challenging the attitudes and behaviours in our society that underpin sexual violence."  - Laura Osmond, co-ordinator of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Dewberry House.

The NSPCC says Jersey is making 'significant progress' to protect children from being groomed and 'punish those who commit these appalling and targeted crimes'. 

A guide to the Sexual Offences (Jersey) Law 2018 has been published in English, Portuguese and Police and is available on the gov.je website.