Vulnerable girls at increased risk due to lack of police vetting, according to experts

A report released this morning has found that criminals and sexual predators are being allowed into the police and highlights misogyny and sexual misconduct within the force.

In response, Jane Kenyon, founder of social enterprise Girls Out Loud, which works with vulnerable teenage girls in the UK, has issued an urgent plea to make vital changes to UK law immediately.

Jane said: “The report is disturbing and scary but quite frankly, not in the least bit surprising.

“Misogyny, sexism and predatory behaviour towards female members of society is very much present and looms over us every day. Why has misogyny not been made a hate crime? When will we change the rhetoric that suggests that women’s lives are simply not important?”

“Matt Parr, HM Inspector of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services, said he ‘understands why some forces would want to take a risk on some applicants.’ I ask him which part of this decision he understands? What kind of a world are we living in if we’re prepared to risk the lives and safety of women and girls. We cannot be prepared to take a gamble on a person’s life and future. Yet again, we’re sending out a dangerous message that women ‘don’t matter’”

“If girls and women can’t trust the police, then who can they trust? We are failing and it cannot be allowed to continue.”

“We desperately need major change to protect our women and girls so that they can feel safe and seen – and we need it now.”

“Action has to come from the top. The government need to take the lead in changing the conversation around violence to women. What’s more, there are crucial, practical changes and safety measures that need to be implemented to support the most vulnerable in society. Enough is enough. Stop normalising violence against women.”

Jane has recommended that the following urgent changes be made:

· Installing more women in senior leadership positions, including in the cabinet and judiciary, to get them “around the table” of decision-making
· Making legal deterrents for violence against women “fiercer”
· Permanently recognising misogyny as a hate crime
· Better “resourcing and training” the police to deal with violence against women
· Thorough vetting and zero risk taking when accepting applicants in to the force.

Girls Out Loud, which is passionate about inspiring and empowering teenage girls to find their voices, harness their self-belief and maximise their potential, works with schools across the North-West, offering early intervention programmes including ‘Big Sister’ mentoring programmes which has helped thousands of girls for over a decade. The programme also has the ear of thousands of women too, who step up to be mentors and role model advocates.