Police commended for victim-first approach to sexual assault cases

Guernsey charity SafetyNet has commended the police for their approach to investigating rape and serious sexual assaults.

SafetyNet, which works to combat violence against women and girls, has praised police for their steps to ensure victims are better protected during investigations.

The force recently revealed that in their latest arrest of a suspect for sexual assault, they were able to bring a charge without needing to involve the victim past the initial report they made.

SafetyNet's Poppy Murray says it a 'shift that was desperately needed'.  She explains why it's such a vital step in the right direction:

"We have to think about how hugely difficult it is to report sexual offences to the police.

"There's a history of lack of trust and confidence.

"If they have to go through unnecessary processes, they might reject having reported it, or in the future, they may not want to go through the same thing, so I think this is really fantastic progress."

It follows a visit from academics from the Open University who delivered training with officer about how to tackle Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Cases (RASSO).

Chief Officer Damian Kitchen says he is delighted that they secured the visit from the UK Operation Soteria Team in Guernsey to train and assess us as a force.

"We are doing many good things, but there are also areas we can and will improve on.

"I intend to implement a plan rapidly on the back of this to continue the good results we have yet more evidence of in recent weeks, with a series of sexual offences reaching court.

"I will then ask the team to revisit us and assess our progress.

"No matter who you are, no matter how excusable you think your behaviour is, if you commit sexual offences, from harassment to the most serious cases, we will pursue you as a priority. If you are a victim, or have been a victim of sexual offending historically, no matter when this was, I want you to have the confidence and courage to report this to us.

"I am committed that Guernsey Police will care for victims and bring offenders to justice."

Poppy Murray

Going forward, Poppy Murray believes the police have taken the correct steps, but the law should follow suit.

She says it is a shame if the police are doing all this work, and the sentences are quite lenient compared to other crimes.

"The public is getting a really clear message that the police are stepping things up and supporting victims, better than in the past.

"But something we're [still] getting messages on are the sentences."