Leicestershire Police piloting new service to report sexual assault online
There is an option for a person to report anonymously.
Leicestershire Police is one of four forces across the UK piloting the new service.
The new online Rape and Sexual Assault reporting service is now live on the websites of Leicestershire Police, British Transport Police, Merseyside Police and Dyfed Powys Police.
It was created by the National Police Chief’s Council’s (NPCC) Digital Public Contact Programme (DPC) and launched on Tuesday 30 November.
The pilot will run for six weeks.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Batchelor said:
“We know from research and experience that there are many reasons why survivors and witnesses don’t come forward and report sexual offences to the police and we want to change that, giving more options to report offences including the option to report anonymously.
“We understand people are apprehensive about giving personal details and we have been working to look at how we can invite greater reporting, which can help us prevent further crimes and bring offenders to justice.
“Every report provides us with valuable information. And if people aren’t comfortable with making that report, then we want them to know how they can get the support and help they need.
“This new service in not only innovative in the way it has been designed – from the ground up in consultation with more than 40 organisations (including Rape Crisis, End Violence Against Women and the Survivors Trust) – but also in the way it is being deployed – online where people, especially younger people, increasingly are.”