Survey launched to understand victim experiences of reporting rape and serious sexual offences to the police

Merseyside Police is participating in a national project, which aims to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).

Victims of rape and other sexual offences are invited to participate in a survey about their experiences with the police, as part of Operation Bluestone Soteria‘s study on victim experiences, which was launched as a response to the government’s End-to-End Rape Review, and the Ministry of Justice pledge to increase the number of rape cases ending in a conviction.

The survey is open to all victims of rape and other sexual offences aged 18 and over whose case the police know about. Your case may have just started, been ongoing for some time, or be closed.

The survey aims to give voice to victims and seeks to better understand how the process of reporting rape and other sexual offences feels to victims. This is with a view to helping police forces to transform their response to investigating rape and other sexual offences, including the ways in which police engage with victims and improve the victim-survivor experience of the police investigation and criminal justice process.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Parry, Protecting Vulnerable People said: “Merseyside Police take every report of sexual assault extremely seriously. Our officers are specially trained to thoroughly investigate allegations, make sure that those reporting them are properly supported and put those responsible before the courts.

“We’re committed to achieving the best outcomes for victims. We want to make improvements to our investigations, and we want to improve the experiences of victims and ensure our communities can be confident that perpetrators will be brought to justice. Operation Soteria Bluestone is an opportunity to achieve real, sustainable change by taking an evidence-based, open and honest look at the way we work within the force and alongside partners in the wider criminal justice system and victim support services.”

Detective Chief Inspector Parry added: "I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will listen to you and treat you with the utmost sensitivity and compassion. There are also a number of reliable and trusted organisations and charities who will support you from your initial report, throughout any investigation and beyond.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said: “Sadly, sexual violence remains far too prevalent in our society and the need to support victims is more important than ever. Radical change is needed if we are to truly tackle the epidemic of sexual violence which exists in our society, and we must work collectively if we are to make a genuine difference.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for me and I am committed to doing everything possible to drive change here in our region. As actioned within my regional Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan, victim-survivors should be at the heart of improved practice and this survey will provide a better understanding of victims’ experiences and needs so that true change can be implemented.

“I welcome this survey, alongside the key work underway by Merseyside Police as part of Operation Soteria Bluestone, and urge anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence who feels strong enough to share their experiences. We have the potential to make a real difference in the lives of victims-survivors and by taking part, you can help to improve the response to victims of sexual violence in the future.”

You can take part in the survey by clicking on the following link:

Police experience survey (qualtrics.com) 

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can call officers in the force’s Unity Team on 0151 777 1382 or 101. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously and free, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, you should always dial 999.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.

If you don’t require immediate assistance then you can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences online – with the option to report anonymously. www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/