Women’s Aid responds to BBC’s Panorama: Undercover in the Police  

Isabelle Younane, head of external affairs at Women’s Aid, comments:  

“We were saddened and dismayed when watching last night’s BBC Panorama, which demonstrated that, despite numerous reports and investigations calling for urgent change, such as the Angiolini Inquiry and Baroness Casey Review, police officers continue to display misogynistic, racist and homophobic behaviours.  

“We know from our work with survivors that most women will not report domestic abuse to the police for fear of not being believed and due to low levels of trust in policing. Last night’s viewing works to further reinforce the belief that officers will not believe or respect women, and as a result, will fail to protect them.  

“Police officers are meant to be there to keep law and order, to protect those most in need of protection. This will never be the case until the fundamental culture within the forces changes and officers treat all victims of crime with the respect and sensitivity that they deserve.”