In 2021, 21 reports of sexual assault against the force were filed. Now, in 2026, those units have almost tripled. Why?
In recent news, it’s been confirmed by The Telegraph that sexual assault allegations against the Metrolition police have tripled since 2021. Rising from 21 allegations to 68 in 2025.
Speaking to Sky News, Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Met Police, Helen Millichap, admitted, “It’s an incredibly awful truth that we have abusers and perpetrators inside our organisation.
“One of the biggest factors preventing women and girls coming forward to report crimes to us [because] they cannot trust the response they get”.
Five years ago, one of the biggest Metropolitan Police-related scandals broke out in the UK. That of the devastating kidnapping, rape and murder of 33- year old, Sarah Everard by former British police officer Wayne Couzens.
Once the story was out, it was covered by national papers all over the UK, including the BBC, The Guardian, Sky News, and even support group organisations such as End Violence Against Women. Following the assault, new conversations arose as to what precautions need to be put in place to ensure the safety of women in London.
What does this mean for young women?
Despite the outrage that followed the brutal misconduct and murder of Everard, these atrocities were not enough to keep the Metropolitan Police accountable. Almost six years later, women are still filing multiple rape and sexual assault cases against the police. In turn, there is a clear issue with members of the force violating their position of power.
The message this sends to young women is unparalleled. It teaches young women to fear the police, instead of seeking comfort in their authority. It presents the idea that those with power are still likely to abuse it to satisfy their own needs. Lastly, it teaches young women that there is no higher authority they can seek help from.
What can be done?
The solution for this isn’t simple. In an ideal world, the solution would involve a complete rewrite of the educational system on sexual assault, and a rewriting of how the police system is taught to be enforced. It would require the prosecutors to take full accountability and be stripped of any rights they previously owned. However, this is unrealistic and would take years to implement.
Instead, the solution to ending police-related sexual assault crimes and ensuring the safety of young women could be the introduction of monthly assessments. Similar to the protocol of health and safety assessments, where staff members are required to complete these forms. With failed completion, this could result in suspension.
Women need to feel safe to walk the streets of their homes. They need street lights on until late. They need to know that the police force that serves them is there to protect them. Right now, the solutions for this case are all hypothetical. However, things that can be done include the following: perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. A decrease in allegation numbers. An increase in jail sentences and support from the metropolitan police, to reassure them that they’re being protected.
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