Refuge responds to report from Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into Met Police conduct

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Refuge responds to damning new report from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into Metropolitan Police conduct

Ruth Davison, Refuge CEO said:

“The behaviour outlined in this IOPC report is absolutely disgraceful, and illustrates why so few women trust the police to support them in dangerous situations.

“Jokes about rape and domestic abuse are never funny. But not only have the Metropolitan Police again been found using horrific, misogynistic language, some officers appear to be bragging about committing domestic abuse themselves.

“The Met is an institution that is supposed to uphold the law and protect women and girls from violence. It’s no wonder women do not feel confident to report crimes committed against them.

“Strong action must be taken and the police must rid itself of its culture of violent misogyny. This isn’t just about a few rotten apples; Refuge has repeatedly called for reform and this report today shows just how deeply misogyny runs through society. It underscores the urgent need for misogyny to be added to our hate crimes The government has a real opportunity to make this life-saving change to the law via the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. We urge them to act – enough is enough.”

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Notes to Editors

Notes
The IOPC Report can be found here.

About Refuge
Refuge supports thousands of women and children on any given day, and runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is the gateway to accessing specialist support across the country. More than one in four women in England and Wales experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.

Please signpost to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in a webform and request a safe time to be contacted or to access live chat (live chat available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday). For real time automated guidance on how to secure your personal devices Refuge also has a Tech Safety Tool.

Visit Refuge’s Tech Safety Website at www.refugetechsafety.org for information on tech abuse and to find guidance on how to secure your personal and home devices. For real time automated support Refuge also has a Tech Safety Tool.