News

Cases where children are sexually assaulted by strangers are to be taken over by child protection teams in the Metropolitan police, writes Clare Jerrom.

Such cases are currently dealt with by rape investigation teams, whereas victims of offenders known to the victim, such as carers and relatives, are dealt with by child protection teams.

But the skills gained by child protection team workers make them better able to take over the responsibility for victim care and investigation of cases of sexual assault by strangers against children, a Metropolitan Police Authority report explains. Child victims need to be dealt with by specialists in child victim care.

The transition will be phased in with pilots and is due to take place later this year.

The Metropolitan Police should work more closely with the voluntary and other organisations to ensure victims receive appropriate and accredited counselling service, the report says.