Issue details

Operation Soteria was developed in response to national concern around the investigation of rape and sexual assault offences and the increasing epidemic that is violence against women and girls.

Its aim is to increase the number of adult rape and serious sexual assault cases reaching charge, and, in addition, deliver sustained improvement in the criminal justice whole system response.

The programme combines practitioner knowledge with that of academic experts, along with research insight and transformational change support to forces. This has led to the development of the first National Operating Model for the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences.

Investigating rape is complex. It is one of the few crimes where a life sentence can be given. It is recognised that GMP investigators often lack the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively deal with such complex, trauma-based crime.