Devon and Cornwall police apologise and pay compensation to nine women over officers' abuse claims
The force settled a lawsuit without admitting liability after nine women alleged rape, assault and coercive control by male officers, some of whom were promoted.
At a glance
- Devon and Cornwall police apologised and paid compensation to nine women who alleged abuse by male officers.
- The force settled the lawsuit without admitting liability; it denies covering up crimes or misogyny.
- The force was placed in special measures and says it has changed how it investigates police-perpetrated domestic abuse.
Devon and Cornwall police have formally apologised and paid compensation to nine women who alleged they were abused by male officers, according to The Guardian. The women say they suffered rape, assault, threats, harassment and coercive control while in relationships with officers from the south-west England force.
The force settled the women's legal claim without admitting liability after a two-year legal battle. Chief constable James Vaughan met the women in March 2026 and apologised for the force's conduct in investigating their reports of police-perpetrated domestic abuse, the force said.
Allegations and settlement
Some of the accused officers served in positions protecting women from male violence. One was appointed to such a role after allegations were made, and another remained in a sensitive position after the force received accusations, according to the women.
The women allege the force covered up serious crimes, which it denies. The force said no evidence had been identified to suggest a cover-up or misogyny. It also said none of the accused male officers were any longer in positions related to protecting women from male violence.
Some women suffered for about 15 years. Three were arrested after accusations from their alleged abusers, and one teacher was cautioned, a caution later erased from her criminal record. The women say at least four of the officers who abused them are still serving; the force refused to answer that question. Four of the women served in the force and have now left.
Women's accounts
One woman said she was attacked while holding her baby, describing being cornered and kicked. Another, identified as Sarah*, said an officer pursued a 15-year campaign of abusive, controlling and coercive behaviour, including physical and financial abuse, intimidation and harassment.
June*, a teacher, said threats against her had been dismissed and ignored. She said the officer told her she would lose her house, job and children. Freya* said it was "absolutely" a cover-up and that she was called a liar by officers online.
Paula Kressinger, who served in the force for 30 years and waived her anonymity, criticised the force's refusal to admit liability. She said police often try to protect their reputation but would gain more trust by taking responsibility.
Force response
The force was placed into special measures a fortnight before the report because of overall poor performance. It declined to answer a series of questions from The Guardian.
The force said its processes have changed. All police-perpetrated domestic abuse will now be investigated by its professional standards department, and it is creating a bespoke advocate role for victims of police-perpetrated domestic abuse and similar offences.
The legal case was brought by the Centre for Women's Justice, a small charity. Solicitor Debaleena Dasgupta praised the women's determination and courage, saying litigation should never have been necessary and that the failures indicated a broken system.
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- What did Devon and Cornwall police settle?
- The force paid compensation to nine women who alleged rape, assault, threats, harassment and coercive control by male officers, and the chief constable apologised. It settled without admitting liability.
- Did Devon and Cornwall police admit a cover-up?
- No. The force denies covering up serious crimes or misogyny, saying no evidence was found to suggest that. It said it has changed its processes for investigating police-perpetrated domestic abuse.
- What happened to the accused officers?
- The women say at least four accused officers are still serving, but the force refused to answer that question. The force said none of the accused officers are in roles protecting women from male violence.
