IPCC to investigate MPS handling of two reports of rape

PR 1570         IPCC to investigate MPS handling of two reports of rape

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is independently investigating two cases involving the way Metropolitan Police Officers have dealt with reports of rape.

Both cases relate to women who reported that they had been raped in May 2009. One went into a south London police station where she was seen by officers working from the Sapphire Unit – the MPS team dedicated to dealing with sexual assaults. The woman subsequently complained about her treatment. In the second case a complaint was made by the friend of a woman who reported that she had been raped, about the way the report was handled. Both complaints were referred to the IPCC.

A decision has been taken that an IPCC senior investigator will lead an independent investigation into both cases.

IPCC Commissioner for London Deborah Glass said: "This investigation will examine the actions of individual officers who dealt with these cases and will look at the way the women were dealt with, the decision-making involved and the supervision of the officers involved. It will look at whether any misconduct offences have been committed by officers and, if there are any causes for concern about the systems in place, we will feed them back to the MPS as soon as possible so they can be acted upon.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for all victims of rape and sexual assault to report these crimes to police and I don’t want to undermine so much of the good work being done every day by dedicated and professional officers. However, it is also important that, if people are concerned about the way they have been dealt with by police, their complaint will be taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and action will be taken if appropriate.”

Elizabeth Harrison, Manager of The Haven, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Whitechapel said:  "Deciding whether or not to report a rape can be very difficult.  It's important that people realise that they don't need to have reported to the police in order to access services at the Havens. Victims can still phone us for advice and come here and have a full forensic examination with the samples stored whilst they take the time to decide what to do next.  Whatever they then decide to do, either to report to the police or not, they can still have medical and emotional support from the Haven. But whichever way they choose, it is important people continue to access support."

- ENDS -

Notes for editors

Background information about The Haven:

Since The Haven, Whitechapel opened in June 2004, as a jointly funded partnership between the NHS and the Metropolitan Police, it has received more than 2,500 referrals for forensic examinations.

The opening of the centre marked a major step forward in the care of victims of sexual assault and the way such offences are investigated.

Additional clients have attended for aftercare including psychosocial support.

The purpose-built facility includes examination rooms, shower facilities, counselling rooms and consulting rooms and complements centres in Paddington and Camberwell which between them offer medical care, and practical and emotional support for victims of sexual assault across London.

The Haven Whitechapel - which can be contacted on 020 7247 4787 - offers a confidential service with a dedicated team of specially trained NHS doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals including a counsellor and a psychologist. It offers forensic examinations 24 hours a day 365 days a year and full aftercare services for women, children and men up to one year after the assault. For more information go to:  www.thehavens.co.uk

Issued by:

Trish Keville, IPCC press officer for London and south east on 0207 166 3130 or, out of office hours, call 07717 851 157.