Speaking about the Katie Simpson Review published today by the Justice Minister, Policing Board Chair Brendan Mullan said:
Today thoughts are first and foremost with the family and friends of Katie Simpson who have shown such courage and dignity since Katie’s untimely death.
This comprehensive review by Dr Melia sets out in stark detail a series of missed opportunities which makes for deeply troubling reading, as is the assessment of ‘institutional misogyny’. This report also signals the urgent need for wider education on the signs of coercive control and removing the stigma of abuse in working to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.
The 16 recommendations from the review require both systems and attitudinal change within policing and the Criminal Justice System. The Board will be questioning the Chief Constable at its meeting this week (7 May) on how the listed areas for action are now fully embedded and integrated into everyday policing practice and mindset, particularly in light of the findings from the recently published Langdale Review.
It is welcome that the Justice Minister, in her statement to the Assembly, acknowledged the co-operation and candour on this review. It is only through such openness that the changes necessary can be effected so that no other victim will be failed in the way that Katie was.
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