Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared violence against women and girls a national emergency, unveiling plans to overhaul how such crimes are investigated and tackled across England and Wales.
Under a long-delayed government strategy due to be published on Thursday, every police force will be required to establish specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams by 2029.
The move forms part of Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Speaking with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Mahmood said the criminal justice system too often fails women, describing current policing as a postcode lottery.
She said the new teams would include officers with specialist training to better understand both victims and abusers. While more than half of police forces already have similar units, the government says nationwide coverage is essential.
The strategy also includes a full rollout of domestic abuse protection orders across England and Wales. These orders can bar offenders from contacting victims, entering their homes or abusing them online, with breaches treated as criminal offences.
Mahmood said early trials showed “very positive” results, including a high number of arrests.
Nearly £2m will also be invested in undercover police units targeting online harassment and abuse. The government is considering expanding Clare’s Law to cover offences such as stalking, sexual assault and harassment.
The plan follows criticism over repeated delays and a recent report showing significant failures in how police investigate sexual offences.
While campaigners welcome the measures, opposition figures argue the response is overdue and underfunded.
