First joint MPA/MPS Violence Against Women annual report published

07/11
02 February 2011

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) today published the first joint MPA/MPS Violence Against Women Annual report combining data and commentary on rape, domestic violence, trafficking and other crimes in London.

Since it was set up in 2009, the MPA Domestic and Sexual Violence Board (DSVB) has monitored, scrutinised and supported the MPS response to domestic and sexual violence across London boroughs. Violence against women is a priority for the MPA, enshrined within Met Forward, the MPA strategic mission for London’s police.

The joint report shows that new commands set up in the MPS to deal with trafficking and rape have been successful, despite increased reporting in both of these areas. It also welcomes a range of positive improvements in MPS practice, from the reduction in incidents of rape recorded as ‘No-Crime’ to the work within the central community safety unit to access feedback from victims about their experience of the police service.

The report outlines successful cases handled by the MPS to tackle domestic violence, rape, trafficking and child abuse and makes a range of recommendations from the DSVB including: cautions should be used sparingly in cases of domestic violence; ensuring police officers develop referral pathways with local sexual violence service providers; and refresher training on handling cases of domestic violence should be made available to front line officers.

Valerie Brasse, co-Chair of the MPA DSVB, said:

“While we know all agencies are facing cuts to resources we urge police and partners  to think strategically to safeguard domestic and sexual violence projects, especially as violence against women and girls is now a priority for the new London Crime Reduction Board. Failure to retain these projects risks losing valuable expertise in this area, failing victims and their families and will inevitably impact on core services further down the line.”

Kirsten Hearn, co-Chair, said:

“The Board welcomes the focus in the recommendations of joint report on ensuring that the most vulnerable victims, such as children and young people, are featured in service delivery.”

Cressida Dick, Assistant Commissioner Specialist Crime, said

“It is imperative that all agencies work together to tackle this complex issue, which we know can have the most dreadful of consequences. Despite a marked improvement on the part of the MPS in dealing with all offences of violence against women and girls, we are not complacent and have worked with the MPA and others to develop a more concise strategy to ensure victims of this type of crime receive the highest standard of investigation and assistance.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The joint MPA/MPS Violence Against Women Annual report is available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/downloads/committees/cep/110202-09-%20appendix01.pdf

2. The MPA Domestic and Sexual Violence Board meets six times a year and reviews two London boroughs at a time. Boroughs that presented to the DSVB in 2010 were; Haringey, Barking & Dagenham, Lewisham, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Islington, Westminster, Hounslow and Hillingdon.

3. All reports received by the DSVB are available online at www.mpa.gov.uk/dsvb

4. The joint MPA/MPS Violence Against Women Annual report supports the Mayoral London Violence against Women and Girls Strategy The Way Forward and ensures the activity of the MPS and MPA in this field is transparent.

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