03/06/2024
BBC Points West reports that a transwoman from the West Country has said that she is "disappointed" and "let down" by the Police after reporting that she had been raped. Lee Madan, reporting for the BBC Locally, said that the woman has anonymity for life as a victim of a sexual offence. The BBC is not saying where in the West of England. The woman said the experience at the front desk did not go well. She claims they initially did not believe what she said and she had to repeat it a couple of times. She said: "They got a female officer to come and see me. I think the only reason they brought somebody in was because I said to them I know you're not going to do anything about this. I think they are a little bit trans-racist" A few months later her worst assumptions were confirmed in that police advised her that they would not be referring her case to the Crown Prosecution Service. She was told this was due to a lack of evidence. A spokesperson for The College of Policing spokesperson said: "The college's guidelines stress that police officers should reassure the victim that they have done the right thing in coming forward, be non-judgemental and show empathy and sensitivity." Feminist and transfeminist activists, together with male rape activists, have all reported that prosecutions for this type of offence are worrying low compared to the level or reports filed.
If you have been affected by any of the themes raised in this article, please do not suffer in silence. Reach out for help. Rape Crisis is available on 0808 500 2222 24 hours a day. And on Scotland on 08088 01 03 02. You can also call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100. And remember, for any emotional distress, you can speak to the Samaritans on 116 123.
