Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) action plan - summer 2024 updates

We will take action to improve support and care for victim-survivors of domestic abuse and other VAWG offences through the criminal justice process to ensure a consistent and compassionate service everywhere in London.

Summer 2024 updates

Improving referrals

We have improved our training and support to all specialist officers who support victims of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO). 250 officers were trained in 2023/4.  

Behavioural science analysts from the Met Strategic Insights Unit are looking at how we can improve our victim feedback channels by mapping a victim user journey to determine the best points to gather feedback and optimum ways to do this. We are involving victim-survivors in this process. 

As part of the victims’ programme, we have established the Victim Focus Desk, which allows victims who have recorded their crime with the Met to contact a dedicated telephone line, separate to 101, to:

• seek updates on their investigation
• request crime prevention advice
• provide feedback on service received
• be referred to a third party organisation for further support

This Victim Focus Desk service mentioned above receives around 27,000 calls per month.

Staff have received specific training on victim care, legislative entitlements and trauma informed learning to ensure a professional, empathetic and targeted service for victims.  This service is available throughout the criminal justice process for victims of all crime types but we will be further specialising this team through continuous professional development (CPD) focused on VAWG.

Hearing victims’ voices and seeking more victim survivor feedback 

My Met Service is now in place and provides instant access via QR code, email or SMS. This allows victims to provide feedback during the reporting of their crime. They follow the link provided by their investigating officer.  This feedback directly contributes to improvements in training and service. 

Alongside this, victims of crime are given signposted advice and guidance on their rights and entitlements as victims and bespoke crime prevention, including awareness of VAWG and stalking protection measures and support services.

We have created Victim Voice Forums for specific communities within London who have low victim satisfaction and a less positive attitude towards the police and criminal justice system. The next forum to be designed and developed will be focused on VAWG. Using our knowledge and expertise, and working jointly with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), independent facilitators and tailored support services, the VAWG Victim Voice Forum will listen to the lived experiences of participants. It seeks feedback and suggestions to minimise the disadvantage suffered as victims of crime.