Key Takeaways
- More than a quarter of police forces in England and Wales have not implemented basic policies for investigating sexual offences
- The Angiolini Inquiry has found a disparity in how police forces deal with violence against women and girls compared to other high-priority crimes
- Urgent action is needed to prevent further violent and sexual attacks against women and girls, including targeting predatory men
- The inquiry recommends introducing a wider Good Samaritan law and consistent collection and sharing of data on national and local levels
- Better street lighting, improvements to information about positive masculinity, and targeted public messaging about reporting crimes are also recommended
Introduction to the Angiolini Inquiry
The Angiolini Inquiry, led by Lady Elish Angiolini KC, has released its latest findings, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent further violent and sexual attacks against women and girls. The inquiry was established in response to the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, Wayne Couzens, in March 2021. The report found that more than a quarter of police forces in England and Wales have not implemented basic policies for investigating sexual offences, despite the government’s recognition of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) as a "national threat" in 2023.
Disparity in Police Response
Lady Elish Angiolini KC noted a significant disparity in how police forces deal with violence against women and girls compared to other high-priority crimes. She stated that while funding and preventative activity are the norm for other high-priority crimes, this is not the case for VAWG. This disparity is alarming, and Lady Elish emphasized that until it is addressed, VAWG cannot be credibly called a "national priority". The inquiry’s findings suggest that police forces need to coordinate their response and resources to tackle VAWG in line with other national threats.
Gaps in National Data
The report also highlighted concerns over gaps in national data, including the number of women who report being victims of rape and other sexually motivated crimes in public spaces. Lady Elish warned that without consistent data collection and recording across all forces, patterns of offending cannot be spotted. This lack of data makes it challenging to develop effective strategies to prevent and respond to VAWG. The inquiry recommends consistent collection and sharing of data on national and local levels to address this issue.
Recommendations for Change
The Angiolini Inquiry has made several recommendations for change, including the introduction of a wider Good Samaritan law to encourage more people to take action when they witness bad behavior. The inquiry also recommends better street lighting, improvements to information about positive masculinity for men and boys, and targeted consistent public messaging about how to report crimes such as indecent exposure. Farah Naz, the aunt of Zara Aleena, who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 2022, has championed the Good Samaritan law and hopes it will be taken seriously and progressed with urgency.
Urgent Need for Positive Change
The family of Sarah Everard has welcomed the inquiry’s findings, stating that they hope the report has "far-reaching consequences". They emphasized that the inquiry continues to honor Sarah’s memory and recognize the urgent need for positive change. The report’s findings and recommendations are a crucial step towards addressing the systemic issues that contribute to VAWG. It is essential that police forces, governments, and communities work together to implement these recommendations and prevent further violent and sexual attacks against women and girls.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the Angiolini Inquiry’s latest findings highlight the need for urgent action to address the systemic issues that contribute to VAWG. The report’s recommendations, including the introduction of a wider Good Samaritan law and consistent collection and sharing of data, are crucial steps towards preventing further violent and sexual attacks against women and girls. It is essential that police forces, governments, and communities work together to implement these recommendations and prioritize the safety and well-being of women and girls. The inquiry’s findings and recommendations serve as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to address VAWG and create a safer and more just society for all.
