Inquest into rape prosecutions highlights endemic failure

A joint report commissioned by the Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Inspectorates has accused the two organisations of engaging in a “blame game”, which ultimately results in a failure to prosecute sexual offences. The report, published today, said “both organisations argued that the other was to blame for the low conviction rates.” It continued, “Until this blame culture is eradicated, a real shift in attitudes seems unachievable”.

PC Wayne Couzens pleads guilty to the kidnap and rape of Sarah Everard

Police officer Wayne Couzens has pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and rape of Sarah Everard, who went missing in March whilst walking home in south London. The serving Metropolitan police constable was present in court via video link from Belmarsh prison, charged with the disappearance and death of the 33-year-old marketing executive.

Missed Clare’s Law deadlines put women at risk

Nearly 25% of applications for background checks accepted last year by the police took longer than a month to reveal information about the criminal histories of suspected abusers. Under Clare’s Law, implemented in 2014, people have the “right to ask” police about any past domestic violence or offences that mean their partners could be a potential risk to them.

Will the Domestic Abuse Bill keep women safe?

Between 2009 and 2018, 272 young women aged 14 to 25 were killed. In many of these cases, stalking, coercive control, the influence of pornography and the men’s failure to cope with rejection helped lead to the death of the women and girls. Half of the 272 killings were labelled “overkills” due to the excessive violence committed.

Anti-Women violence rooted in Capitalism, says CP

In the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard, Carol Stavris told the Communist Party’s executive at the weekend that violence against women has “deep roots in the capitalist system of exploitation”. “The position is made worse by inequality, poverty, sexist stereotyping, the commodification of women’s bodies, loss of crucial public services and inadequate support for women and children suffering abuse”, the CP Women’s Organiser declared.

Police violence mars Sarah Everard vigil

Last night (13 March 2021), hundreds gathered to remember the life of Sarah Everard and to call for changes to keep women safe in our society. The cancellation of the vigil couldn’t stop hundreds from gathering to express their emotions in the aftermath of Sarah Everard’s murder. The night ended in violence as police crushed flowers and dragged women kicking and screaming from the vigil. Previously, the Metropolitan police had refused to allow the event to go ahead, stoking rising tensions across Britain. Tensions had started as soon as it was revealed that a serving officer had been charged with Everard’s abduction and murder.