All forces will have units to tackle rape, says Mahmood

Specialist rape and sex offences investigation teams will be established at every police force by 2029, the government has announced.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, said tools and tactics used to catch abusers are outdated and must be replaced by dedicated teams at all 43 forces in England and Wales.

Almost 30 forces already have a dedicated rape and serious sexual offence unit, The Independent understands. However, every force will not have one until 2029, the Home Office admitted.

Campaigners have said the delays are not acceptable and will leave survivors with an inconsistent response when they come forward.

The announcement, billed as the "largest crackdown on violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history" also includes a nationwide rollout of domestic abuse protection orders, which have been trialled over the last year.

The reforms are set to be part of the long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, due to be unveiled next week.

Ministers have pledged to halve VAWG in the next decade but have faced criticism over delays to publishing their plans.