Key facts
- Nine women received compensation and an apology from Devon and Cornwall police.
- Allegations include rape, assault, threats, harassment, and coercive control by male officers.
- Some accused officers were allegedly promoted and kept in roles protecting women.
- The force denies claims of a cover-up or misogyny.
- The chief constable apologized for failings in investigations of police-perpetrated domestic abuse.
Devon and Cornwall police has apologized and paid compensation to nine women who alleged they were subjected to abuse by male officers. The women claim the force protected and promoted officers despite knowing of accusations including rape, assault, threats, harassment, and coercive control. Some of the accused officers allegedly continued in roles meant to protect women from male violence, with one promoted twice after allegations were made. The women allege the force "covered up" these crimes, a claim the force denies. The chief constable, James Vaughan, has personally apologized for the force's failings. The settlement was reached without the force admitting liability after a two-year legal battle. The Centre for Women’s Justice represented the women in the case.