David Carrick rape convictions: NI feminists say they are 'appalled and concerned' by PSNI having to sack nine officers for sexual and domestic abuse

The PSNI has also told the News Letter it is investigating a further 74 ongoing cases, with 32 officers suspended on suspicion of sexual misconduct.

A spotlight has been shone on misconduct of officers across the UK following the murder of Sarah Everard by Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens in 2021

The Home Office also asked forces in Britain to vet officers after Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick admitted serious offences against 12 women over two decades.

In September the PSNI launched its own dedicated Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan for policing.

Superintendent Claire McGuigan of the PSNI Professional Standards Department said: “In April 2021, our Professional Standards Department began a review of previous sexual and domestic-related misconduct investigations over a period of 10 years.

She added:"In 2022, we held 10 misconduct hearings that had a sexual or domestic element and we dismissed nine officers for their misconduct. We have five hearings scheduled for 2023 that have a sexual and/or domestic element.”

“Currently there are 74 ongoing cases relating to either sexual misconduct or domestic incidents. Thirty-two officers are currently suspended on suspicion of sexual misconduct."

Emalyn Turkingston, CEO of North Down and Ards Women's Aid said the PSNI figures were "very concerning".

"And I would say those figures are only what is reported."

She believes many more women who are abused by police officers don't come forward due to fear.

Since becoming CEO of the north down area four months ago she has been working very closely with the police to build up trust for women to report such claims.

In that time she has already handled one case of a woman being abused by an officer.

As a case worker with Women's Aid since 2005 she says she has had "a good few" such cases of abuse by police officer.

A common factor in such cases, she says, is that a police officer may tell their victim that they will not be believed if they approach their PSNI colleagues to report them.

A key message is that victims must be believed in their claims, she says.

"When we're talking about domestic abuse, it's very much 'believe the unbelievable'. That will be something I always say."

A typical scenario would be that an abuser is a "Jekyll and Hyde" character, she said.

"In public he would be 'Mr Nice Guy' but behind closed doors he is completely different."

Rosa Martin, an activist with socialist feminist organisation ROSA, claimed that despite the action being taken by the PSNI, it it cannot be relied on to tackle "gender violence".

She said this was evident after five people were fined for breaching Covid regulations after a protest about the murder Sarah Everard’s murder in Belfast

"Immediate measures are needed," she added. "That includes proper training and holding individual officers, the PSNI and other police services to account but also funding for services to support victims and survivors of gender violence. But we also say that we will no longer tolerate gender violence, sexism and misogyny in any form."

A spokesperson for the Police Federation for Northern Ireland said: “These cases are disappointing and reflect badly on the PSNI. The fact that 74 cases are ongoing, involving 32 suspensions, means the disciplinary processes are already underway.

"While these processes continue, it’s important to understand that this does not imply wrongdoing or guilt. Due process must be followed and meeting evidential standards must be established. The Police Federation for Northern Ireland supports the rule of law.

"Officers who are found to be committing such offences can fully expect to face criminal and/or misconduct sanctions which will determine whether they remain employed by PSNI. In all of this, it’s important to remember the victims of abuse, in whatever form it takes, and act to safeguard them and provide all possible reassurance.”