Police overhaul rape and sexual assault reporting system
Trigger warning: the following contains reference to rape and serious sexual assault and details our process for taking a first account from a victim/survivor which some may find triggering.
VICTIMS of rape or sexual violence reporting the assault to Lincolnshire Police give an initial account of the crime to a specially trained officer.
They will use the Initial Contact Officer Investigation Log as a reference manual and to make a record of the details victims give so officers can investigate thoroughly and effectively.
In collaboration with Lincolnshire Rape Crisis, the force has now completed a total revision of this logbook, to make improvements and ensure that victims and survivors of sexually violent crimes receive a trauma-informed response.
“The understanding of trauma is vital to establishing and maintaining trust from the person reporting a sexually violent crime,” said Detective Superintendent Suzanne Davies.
“We, together with Rape Crisis, have looked at every detail in the logbook, adding information and updating the language, always prioritising the experience, safety and wellbeing of the victim/survivor. The new and revised version of the logbook now benefits from a trauma informed approach advised by specialists.
“Rewriting this book was an important step towards making sure we are consistently delivering the best service we can with the victim/survivor at the heart of what we do. Working with Lincolnshire Rape Crisis was eye-opening and powerful.
We were able to utilise their vast experience to make this a jointly branded initiative with input from people who have lived through it. Reporting sexual assault is incredibly difficult and can be traumatising in itself, so getting every element and detail of the initial contact right is immensely important.
“The language used and guidance included, is now truly trauma informed by experts and survivors. The book sets out the importance of empathy and sensitivity and of believing a victim; there is no place for blame or judgement.”
Both organisations believe the amended logbook will lead to:
- An improved and positive experience for victims/survivors.
- An improved, supportive and sound tool for Initial Contact Officers.
- Better rates of conviction for perpetrators of sexual violence.
- Support and information for victims/survivors
Visit https://lincolnshirerapecrisis.org.uk for information and a 24 hour support line on 0808 500 2222.
Victims who don’t want to go to the police can visit https://www.lpft.nhs.uk/spring-lodge/home. The trained staff can give confidential medical help and advice. They can also gather evidence if suvivors decide to report the assault to the police. They will not contact the police without permission.