Sky News reports that allegations of sexual misconduct by police officers have more than doubled in two years, with rural police forces featuring prominently in the highest numbers of complaints and proven cases.
Nahar Choudhury, chief executive of Solace, said: “Women experiencing abuse should be able to turn to the police knowing that they will be safe, believed and treated with respect.
When an officer abuses the power and trust that comes with their position, particularly in relation to a woman seeking help, the consequences extend far beyond one case: survivors’ confidence that the police are a safe place to turn is undermined.
The police must demonstrate that protecting women from abuse includes robustly addressing abuse and misconduct within their own ranks.”