Sarah Everard Report: Urgent Action Needed to Stop Violence Against Women
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Angiolini Inquiry Finds Systemic Failures in UK Police Response too Sexual Offences
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A report stemming from the Angiolini Inquiry,launched in the wake of the Sarah Everard murder,reveals significant shortcomings in how UK police forces investigate sexual offenses and prevent violence against women and girls. The inquiry, concluding its latest stage, highlights a lack of prioritization and funding compared to other serious crimes.
The Sarah Everard Case and the Inquiry’s Origins
The kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard by Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan Police officer, in march 2021 sparked national outrage and protests across the United Kingdom. Couzens was sentenced to a whole life term in prison in September 2021 (The Guardian). in response to public outcry and concerns about police conduct, the Home Office commissioned the Angiolini Inquiry to examine the response of policing and the criminal justice system to violence against women and girls.
Key Findings of the Angiolini Inquiry (Latest Stage)
The latest findings of the Angiolini Inquiry, released December 2, 2023, reveal a concerning lack of progress in addressing systemic issues. Key findings include:
- More than 25% of police forces in England and wales have failed to implement basic changes to their investigation of sexual offenses.
- The response to violence against women and girls lacks the prioritization – and associated funding – afforded to other high-priority crimes.
- A need for preventative measures to address the root causes of violence.
Lady Elish Angiolini KC, chair of the inquiry, emphasized the importance of prevention, stating that “This has to start with prevention.” However, she also criticized the overall response as inadequate.
Recommendations for Improvement
The inquiry’s report outlines several recommendations for improving the response to violence against women and girls. These include:
- Improved Street Lighting: Enhancing public safety through better illumination in urban areas.
- Positive Masculinity education: Implementing programs for men and boys that promote healthy attitudes and behaviors.
- Public Messaging Campaigns: Launching targeted and consistent public awareness campaigns on how to report crimes like indecent exposure.
The State of Police Investigations into Sexual Offences
The inquiry’s findings underscore existing concerns about the effectiveness of police investigations into sexual offenses. Data from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) shows that prosecution rates for rape and sexual assault remain low. In the year ending March 2023, ther were 67,144 reported rapes in England and Wales, but only 1,498 convictions (Crown Prosecution Service). This represents a conviction rate of just 2.2%.
| Year | Reports of Rape | convictions | Conviction Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 55,1 |