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Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.035869
I note you seek access to the following information:
A recent HMICFRS report titled 'An inspection of the Metropolitan Police Service’s handling of the sexual and criminal exploitation of children' includes:
We also examined 184 investigations into the exploitation of children and found 22 contained victim-blaming language. This amounts to 12 in every 100 children being in some way blamed for the abuse they suffered. For example:
Worryingly, we didn’t see any evidence that supervisors or managers challenged this language. In fact, in one of our interviews with a detective inspector, they spoke of children being promiscuous.' (page 40) (Link removed)
1. Please provide current officer guidance relating to the use of victim-blaming language and details of any training they receive on how to avoid it.
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
The following is a summary of the guidance that we provide to officers & staff on victim blaming and use of appropriate language.
First Line Leaders Programme (FLLP) – There are two programmes relating to First Line Leader development – one being for newly promoted sergeants and band D supervisors, the other a continual professional development, 5 day course for all existing sergeants and band D supervisors (the Commissioner has committed to delivering a refreshed CPD package each year). (CPD – Continuous Professional Development)
1. Newly promoted and CPD – The delegates receive an input on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and within it we discuss matters around the use of appropriate language and the potential for victim blaming language. We also talk about stereotyping, the effects of language that minimises the victim experience, and the importance of the initial treatment. Much of this is around plenary discussion with an emphasis on the delegates’ responsibilities as leaders within the organisation. Leading by example and challenging where appropriate.
2. Newly promoted sergeants – Receive a one day Hydra immersive exercise dealing with a range of scenarios in the capacity of a new team sergeant on an ERT. A number of scenarios again focus on use of language in the reporting of matters such as missing persons and allegations of sexual assault. The aim of these is to get them to consider areas of risk, harm, vulnerability etc., as well as address the areas of attitudes, bias (conscious/unconscious) and language.
Mid-Level Leaders Programme (MLLP) – Similar to the FLLP, this programme has been developed for both newly promoted and existing Inspectors and police staff equivalent. The programme is in the process of being rolled out and will be in full flow come the middle of June 2024.
• Newly promoted and CPD – As with the FLLP, there is a VAWG input as well as lessons on Missing Persons and safeguarding. These cover areas such as watching your language, the stopping of stereotyping victims and use of appropriate language. It also focuses on accuracy of reporting and understanding the repercussions caused by poor use of language. The content also touches on some of the findings of the HMICFRS report. There is also a table top (CPD) and scenario within the Hydra exercise (new promotes) that the delegates work through which focuses specifically on such areas as victim blaming, use of language and their responsibility to change the culture and attitudes displayed by some around these issues.
In addition to the above, the Met provides a handout on the 5-Part Structure Statement containing a guidance against using ‘victim blaming’ language in the four lessons listed below:
1. PCSO Course – Statement lesson resource
2. IPLDP Progression training 1 – 0252 Evidence Writing lesson
3. PC VRI course – Closure, Evaluate and witness management handout
4. SOIT course – Notetaking for MG11 and Five part structure
The following course includes a handout titled ‘Solihul Language matters’ which covers the issue of victim blaming language with various examples:
• MPU course – Introduction and Effective Risk Assessment Lesson – PDF document
The Met also issued a statement on 09 February 2024 highlighting some of the plans that are being implemented to address this issue and I have provided a link below for your reference:
(link has been removed)