WMP’s action plan

WEST Midlands Police insist they are doing all they can to support women who are victims of sex attacks and other violence and ensure they get justice.

The force said it was “working closely” with the CPS to deliver improved results around the prosecution of rape and other sexual offences. Police say evidential difficulties or problems maintaining victims’ support for prosecutions often result in investigations stalling. But women’s safety campaigners insist victims are being failed.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) recently launched a framework which aims to deliver a fundamental shift in priority of violence against women and girls, and to give victims a consistently high standard of service across all police forces. We don’t underestimate the impact of being a rape victim and we’re working closely with the CPS on a joint action plan to deliver improvements. We are continuing to strive to give victims confidence to come forward in the knowledge we’ll pursue prosecution action.

“Together with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner we recently launched a campaign asking men to be upstanders for women’s safety, not a bystander to intimidation and violence. We’ve also raised awareness of the Ask for Angela scheme - where any woman who feels uncomfortable on a night out can get help from the bar or club she is in by discreetly asking staff for ‘Angela’.

“This work forms part of our overall Safer Streets campaign. This includes police operations to spot and deal with potential male perpetrators, better education for young men on respecting women and girls and work with partners to make practical improvements to our streets including lighting and CCTV.”