Report Reveals 25% of Police Forces Lack Basic Sexual Offence Policies

A recent report indicates that over 25% of police forces in England and Wales lack fundamental policies for investigating sexual offences. This alarming statistic comes four years after the tragic incident involving Sarah Everard, who was raped and murdered. The report highlights a crucial need for immediate action to combat sexual violence against women and girls.

Key Findings of the Report

The inquiry, led by Lady Elish Angiolini KC, underscores significant disparities in how police forces address violence against women compared to other serious crimes. Lady Elish expressed concerns that funding and preventive measures for such offences are not prioritized.

Background on Sarah Everard’s Case

In March 2021, Sarah Everard was abducted while walking home in south London. Police officer Wayne Couzens, who had a history of indecent exposure, subsequently murdered her. As a result, Couzens received a life sentence, raising questions about police protocol and the investigation of sexual crimes.

Government Responses and Recommendations

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the government would assess the inquiry’s recommendations carefully. Two years prior, the government had called for more coordinated police strategies to address violence against women similarly to other high-priority crimes.

Lady Elish’s earlier report recommended that by September 2024, police forces should have established specific policies focused on investigating all sexual offences, including non-contact incidents like indecent exposure. However, as of September 2023, 26% of forces had yet to adopt these policies, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Concerns Over Data Collection

The report also identifies significant gaps in national data concerning the reporting of sexual offences. Lady Elish emphasized that without comprehensive and consistent data collection, recognizing patterns of offending remains a challenge.

New Recommendations

• Encouraging public intervention through a proposed Good Samaritan law.
• Significantly enhancing data collection on sexually motivated crimes, particularly in public areas.
• Promoting a culture of positive masculinity through education and awareness campaigns.
• Improving collaboration with urban planners to design safer public spaces.

Farah Naz, the aunt of Zara Aleena—who was murdered in 2022—expressed hope that the proposed Good Samaritan law would receive urgent attention. Her statement reflected a broader concern about the systemic issues placing women at risk in public spaces.

Government’s Future Plans

In response to the ongoing issues, the Home Secretary assured that efforts would be made to guarantee women and girls can live without fear. The government aims to reduce violence against women and girls by 50% over the next decade and plans to introduce a comprehensive Violence Against Women and Girls strategy soon.

As the inquiry continues, the families affected by these tragedies hope that its findings will lead to meaningful changes in policy and societal attitudes towards sexual violence.