His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) report into the progress of Operation Soteria, a programme to improve the police handling of rape and sexual offences, has highlighted some progress in the support victims and survivors are given, but shows much more needs to be done.
Jennifer Cirone, Director of Services at Solace, said “Today’s report resonates with our experience that we are seeing some improvements in the experience of sexual violence survivors and that specialist trained officers who regularly communicate with the victim are making a real difference.
“However, it is disappointing to see that specialist teams are being staffed by officers who are not fully qualified and are still in training, and we see that it can be a real lottery for survivors dependent on the officer that is assigned to their case. That officers in over half of all forces are being regularly diverted to supporting events such as football matches and festivals undermines that this is a strategic priority for the police.
“We wholly support the report’s recommendations that the police should be doing more to ensure that their officers are using protection and prevention orders, and penalise breaches of these orders to ensure that survivors remain safe and can have faith in the system. So often a breach of bail is seen as “too minor”, leaving women at risk.
“The continued under funding of victim support services, such as specialist sexual violence advisors, highlighted in the report must also be urgently addressed. Survivors regularly express how this specialist support can help them to continue in and cope with the hugely traumatic experience of going through the criminal justice system and in their ability to recover. We urge the Government to provide stable and sustainable funding to victim services like Solace to ensure that all survivors can get the support they need at the right time.”
