Violence against women a national emergency, Mahmood says

BBC NewsSunday, December 14, 2025 at 11:37:54 AM
Violence against women a national emergency, Mahmood says
  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams will be established across all police forces in England and Wales by 2029, following her declaration of violence against women and girls as a national emergency. This initiative aims to enhance the response to these crimes and improve the safety of women and girls in society.
  • The introduction of these dedicated teams is significant as it reflects a governmental commitment to addressing the alarming rates of violence against women, which have been a persistent issue in the UK. This move is expected to bolster the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling sexual offences and provide better support for victims.
  • This development comes amid ongoing concerns regarding police preparedness and response to sexual offences, with reports indicating that many forces lack basic policies for such investigations. The establishment of these teams is part of a broader effort to reform policing structures and ensure a more consistent and effective approach to tackling violence against women and girls across different regions.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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