Refuge responds to senior Met Police officer’s alleged comments that bulk of rape reports were “regretful sex”

Responding to senior Met Police officer’s alleged comments that bulk of rape reports were “regretful sex” Ruth Davison, CEO of Refuge, said:

“The comments allegedly made by Sir Stephen House are abhorrent – to allege that the bulk of rape reports are made after ‘regretful sex’ is shameful and should be widely condemned. I am deeply disappointed that this appears to be the belief a senior Met Police officer felt comfortable expressing, particularly given the numerous failings the force has presided over for victims of sexual assault and rape.

“We know that reporting and conviction rates for rape are incredibly low, and Sir Stephen’s remarks will do nothing to improve this, and risk further eroding women’s trust in the police. When this is the attitude at a senior level in the police force, it’s no wonder that women feel unable to come forward to report these crimes, or fear they won’t believed if they do.

“It seems each week a new story emerges which further damages the trust women have in the police. Now is the time for root and branch reform of police forces across the country. They cannot be allowed to continue failing survivors.”