Why our Cop shops need rape squad
SEXUAL assault survivors and academics are calling for a specialised police squad at every police station to respond to rapes and sexual assault.
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SEXUAL assault survivors and academics are calling for a specialised police squad at every police station to respond to rapes and sexual assault.
Former judge’s associate and sexual assault survivor Bri Lee said when she reported her assault she was given the “red carpet” treatment because she was the daughter of a police officer and a lawyer.
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The Queensland Police Service does offer specialised training for dealing with sexual assault and rape victims but only for those officers who want it.
Speaking at a Bond University seminar on sexual violence Ms Lee said despite her education and familiarity wit the legal process, there were still major failings with how her case was handled, including an officer misplacing evidence.
“Every time a survivor walks into a police station you are playing Russian roulette,” she said.
“Will you get a wonderful cop or a cop that is just under resourced or a cop who is a misogynist and won't believe you.”
The Eggshell Skull author said a specialised squad would have the training how to deal with traumatised victims and best get the information needed for successful prosecution.
Many victims are forced to recount the assault time and again while officers go through the process and struggled with technology, often slowing down how police took a statement, Ms Lee said.
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Victoria already has a specialised sexual victim squad which solely deals with victims of rape and sexual assault, called the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigations Team, or SOCIT.
“We would not be reinventing the wheel,” Ms Lee said.
The Queensland Police Service does offer specialised training for dealing with sexual assault and rape victims but only for those officers who want it.
“I find it extremely disappointing the course is only optional,” she said.
Ms Lee said having the course as optional meant the officers who were the problem never took it.
Bond University law professor Jonathan Crowe said more support was also needed for victims in the court process by having the process explained to survivors beforehand.
“It doesn’t need to be this distressing of a process,” he said.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said there were various levels of mandatory and discretionary training available to police officers in relation to sexual assaults.
“The QPS has specialist officers working in the Criminal Investigation Branch and Child Protection and Investigation Unit who are trained to deal with sexual offences. These units are located in all police regions,” she said.
“Further, the Sexual Crimes Unit, Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group, State Crime Command is a dedicated unit that responds to serious or complex cases of serial rape and sexual assault, and provide specialist investigative assistance to regional areas.”
She said officers also ask complainants if they would prefer to speak with a police officer of a specific gender.
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