Rape suspects allowed to register ID as female
Outrage from pressure group as men identify as women
Rape suspects are asked to self-define their gender when under investigation by Kent Police, it has been revealed. The force says it is currently managing three convicted rapists who identify as female. Such an approach has prompted outrage by women’s rights group Fair Play for Women who state it is highly offensive for a woman who was raped to have it recorded that the attacker was female. Nicola Williams, director of the organisation, said: “You can’t get much more of a male crime than rape.”
However, Kent Police, which confirmed gender would be recorded as provided by the suspect, said: “When an individual is under investigation for rape or any other offence they will be asked to self-define their gender and will be treated accordingly. “In relation to the specific offence of rape the points to prove are very clear and will be explored thoroughly by the investigation team, which could include medical records and forensic evidence.”
Gender reassignment after the incident would not affect the recording of the crime, it added, however there may be cases where a female is under investigation for rape or have a conviction for rape committed when they had male genitalia. Det Supt Coretta Hine, of Kent
Police’s protecting vulnerable people command, said: “Victims are at the heart of everything we do. As an organisation we recognise and fulfil our commitment to delivering a first class service that complies with the
Equality Act 2010 and Gender Recognition Act 2004.
“Rape is one of the key priorities. As an organisation we have been graded as outstanding by independent assessors HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for the last four consecutive years, for the way we treat the public and staff.
“Kent Police currently manages three offenders with convictions for rape who now self-define as female.”