Long way to go before Britain’s police forces can truly stamp out sexism, expert panel agrees

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy There is a long way to go before police forces in Britain can truly stamp out institutionalised sexism, an expert panel hosted by The Independent has agreed, On 8 March, to mark International Women’s Day, The Independent brought together a panel to discuss how police forces in the UK are tackling violence against women and attempting to eradicate misogyny. Hosted by The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin, our panel included retired police chief Susannah Fish OBE, chartered psychologist Dr Jessica Taylor, barrister Harriet Johnson and Abigail Ampofo, CEO of domestic abuse charity Refuge. Explaining the scale of the problem, Ms Fish told our viewers: “It’s a barrel, it’s not a handful of rotten apples.” She said: “This current government has no grasp whatsoever or interest in dealing with violence against women and girls and certainly violence perpetrated by police officers and police staff.” Dr Taylor said the level of cultural and structural change police forces need to achieve has “never been achieved in any sector” and will take many years, adding: “I think the barrel we’re talking about is society. “We’re using innovative tactics to target predatory men who pose the greatest risk, creating safer spaces for women and girls to enjoy without fear and embedding a culture across the Met where tackling violence against them is a priority.” And National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Chief constable Gavin Stephens, said: “Having workforce built on integrity and professionalism is vital to rebuilding trust and confidence and vetting is just one part of this.