Devon and Cornwall Police are facing claims that they failed to act on reports of domestic and sexual abuse inflicted on seven women by serving and former officers, who were the women’s partners at the time.

The Centre for Women’s Justice is launching a civil claim on behalf of the women for breach of their human rights.  The claim will argue that their reports of police perpetrated domestic abuse (PPDA) were so badly handled that they demonstrate a systemic failing by Devon and Cornwall Police to investigate such crimes.

The women, who approached CWJ individually, reported abuse including rape, physical and mental abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, harassment and stalking by their former partners.

They all said Devon and Cornwall Police failed to take basic investigative steps and in one case even treated the victim - herself a former police officer - as a potential offender after counter-allegations were made by her perpetrator; these were later found to be false.

Other alleged failings include appointing investigators who were connected to the accused officers, failing to gather statements from potential witnesses, and failing to update the women about what, if any, investigation had been conducted.

The women have 'lost faith' in Devon and Cornwall Police

Debaleena Dasgupta, a solicitor at CWJ who is acting in this claim, said: “The women's combined testimonies paint a picture of a Force not just unable to investigate police perpetrated domestic abuse, but seemingly unwilling to.

“This case shows that in multiple, unrelated, matters, D&C have failed to take even basic steps to investigate their own officers who have been accused of serious domestic abuse.

“Some of the accused officers remain in D&C, including in roles which are meant to address violence against women and girls in the area. Not one officer was even properly investigated for misconduct, let alone for criminal offences. What does this tell us about vetting in the Force?

“Without exception, the women bringing this case have explained that they have lost faith in D&C. Some say they wished they had never reported at all, given the way they have been treated. As part of their claim, the women have offered to help D&C improve its practices and procedures. It is up to D&C how they intend to address this. It is my clients’ hope that D&C will recognise that they have failed, and try to put this right for others.”

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce said: "Devon & Cornwall Police has been made aware of information received on 2 February 2024 which requires careful consideration and appropriate review.

“As a result of the information received, the Force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

"The IOPC has asked for further work to be progressed by the Force before they can accept and assess a referral, but we remain in consultation with them in providing the required information.

 "It would be both inappropriate and premature to comment further at this stage."