Page 20 - WMPF Federation Aug-Sept 2021-flip_Neat

Inspectorate’s report

Police praised for

‘vast improvements’

in response to

crimes against

women and girls

he police service has made vast will we be properly supporting the victims of Zoë Billingham said: “We are living during a
improvements in how it responds to crime.” national epidemic of violence against
Tcrimes against women and girls but The inspectorate’s findings are from its women and girls. The prevalence and range
fundamental system-wide reform is still interim report, released now to help inform of offending and harm is stark and shocking.
needed, according to Her Majesty’s the Government’s violence against women We are clear that the police have made great
Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & and girls strategy, with its final report to be progress over the last decade against a
Rescue Services (HMICFRS). published in September. backdrop of greater demand, and we want
HMICFRS has published an interim HMICFRS reviewed evidence from forces to maintain this momentum and
report into how effectively the police engage previous inspections, consulted with experts build on these improvements. But there is
with women and girls. It said there is an from policing, Government and victim still evidence of inconsistent support for
epidemic of offending against women and support organisations, and analysed the victims and low prosecution rates.
girls, for example, an estimated 1.6 million progress made by the police. “Offending against women and girls is
women in England and Wales experienced After reviewing the evidence, the deep-rooted and pervasive in our society.
domestic abuse in the 12 months to March inspectorate has recommended that Urgent action is needed to uproot and
2020. transformation of the whole system is address this and police cannot solve this
But it said it was not just down to the needed, including: alone. There must be a seamless approach to
police to tackle the problem with other The Government, police, criminal justice preventing and tackling violence against
partners such as the Crown Prosecution system and public sector should women and girls across the whole system,
Service, health, social care and education immediately and unequivocally commit to including education, local authorities,
also needing to be involved. prioritising the response to violence against health, social care and those from across the
“For far too long, it has seemed as if the women and girls, supported by sufficient criminal justice system – with all agencies
police are expected to tackle all society’s ills,” funding and mandated responsibilities; working together.
says Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police The police should make the relentless “A radical and immediate change in
Federation, “But, of course, we cannot work pursuit and disruption of perpetrators a approach is needed, supported by sustained
in isolation. There needs to be a partnership national priority, and their capability and funding and mandated responsibilities,
approach with all sectors pulling together, capacity to do this should be enhanced; and potentially through a new statutory
developing strategies and then working Funding and structures should be put in framework. We need to end violence against
together to ensure that we all play our part place to ensure victims receive tailored and women and girls by preventing it,
in protecting the public and developing an consistent support. supporting victims, and bringing
effective criminal justice system. Only then Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary perpetrators to justice with the full force of
“ We need to end violence against women and Federation, said police officers should not
police powers and the law.
John Apter, national chair of the Police
girls by preventing it, supporting victims, and
face anger from victims for the failings of
other agencies and called on other sectors to
bringing perpetrators to justice with the full
step up and play their part.
He explained: “This isn’t something that
force of police powers and the law. can be solved overnight, or by just recruiting
more officers. It’s a complex issue that
demands time, attention, and money.”

“
20 federation August/September 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids