SEX OFFENDERS – IT’S TIME TO ADDRESS PUBLIC CONCERN
The rising number of sexual offences reported justifies action on the possible introduction of a law on the sexual offenders list.
The GSD is concerned at the rising numbers of reported sex offences. The RGP’s Annual Policing Report 2023/2024 reflects that 81 reports were made relating to sexual offences in 2021/2022; 113 reports in 2022/2023, rising to 151 reports in 2023/2024.
The Shadow Minister for Justice, Joelle Ladislaus, said:
“The GSD has had manifesto commitments on this for several years. In 2023 we said that in Government we would consult on the introduction of a sexual offender list law in a way that is appropriate to Gibraltar as we recognise that there are circumstances where it should be possible to know where a sex offender resides to protect children and the most vulnerable. We also committed to the introduction of a system of electronic tags for use during parole, to amend laws to compensate victims and facilitate appeals by the prosecution to seek tougher sentences in serious cases.
Since then, I have asked questions in parliament as to whether the government would consider the
introduction of a scheme like England’s Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, which is known as Sarah’s law, and which allows for police to provide information to members of the public on whether someone has previous convictions for child sex offences or poses a risk to children and the vulnerable in any other way. The Government replied that no such legislation should be introduced in Gibraltar, although the Minister recognised that the issue is a live one.”
It remains the GSD’s position that Gibraltar should consider introducing a scheme and explore different
options, such as giving the RGP wide discretion as to the information disclosed and to whom. Under the
status quo, there is an element of unnecessary risk to children and vulnerable members of the public that
can and should be addressed without any further delay.
1a College Lane Gibraltar GX11 1AA
