A police force alleged to have promoted and protected male officers despite knowing they were accused of attacking women has formally apologised and paid compensation to nine female victims, the Guardian has learned. The women allege they were subjected to a range of abuse including rape, assault, threats, harassment and coercive control while in relationships with male officers from Devon and Cornwall police. Some of the officers served in positions protecting women from male violence, with one appointed after allegations were made, and another kept in the sensitive position after the force received accusations.
The women allege that the force in south-west England “covered up” the serious crimes, which it denies. The force has vowed to improve how it protects women from police-perpetrated domestic abuse. Some women suffered for about 15 years, with their tormentors allegedly weaponising the force’s “reputation” for protecting male police abusers to break their victim’s will to seek justice.
The nine women, some of whom served in Devon and Cornwall police, say their claims were mocked or disbelieved and investigations were bungled. Three of the women were arrested after accusations from their alleged abusers. One, a teacher, was cautioned, which was eventually erased from her criminal record.
One senior source who served in the leadership of the force told the Guardian: “At best it was bad investigations, at worst it was collusion with the attackers.” The women say at least four of the officers who abused them are still serving. The force refused to answer that question. Four of the women served in the force but have now left.
One of the male officers is accused of abusing and threatening his partner, who was then a serving police officer. The woman said: “I had my baby … in my arms. My other child was screaming as he rained punches on any area of my body he could get at.
He cornered me in a room and repeatedly kicked me as he stood over me. I was terrified and was begging him to stop.” It is alleged the male officer was promoted twice after the force received the allegations, and was appointed to a leadership position in the force’s effort to tackle violence against women and girls. Starting in 2004, the woman complained to police for more than 14 years, and she says nothing was done.
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