300 people tell BBC of police misogyny and racism

"More than 300 people have contacted the BBC with allegations of racism, corruption and bullying of victims by police after a Panorama undercover investigation. The secret filming over seven months revealed evidence of racism, misogyny and officers revelling in the use of force at one of London's busiest police stations. One of the main themes among the hundreds of people getting in touch was misogyny when they reported domestic abuse and sexual violence - with some saying reporting their rape to police "was like being raped again"."

"In response to the latest allegations, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said it was "working hard to build a culture based on integrity and trust" and improving vetting and misconduct procedures. We have spoken to many of the women who contacted us with stories of mistreatment, whose experiences span police forces across England - from rural counties to big cities. We have changed their names to protect their identities."

"A police officer allegedly told Joanna to "grow a pair" when she reported being punched in the face by her partner several months ago, she told us. Her partner had been drinking excessively when he returned home and angrily attacked her, she says. She found herself at the local police station in tears. "I was devastated and the police made it 10 times worse. My face had a bruise from the punch and one of the officers looked at me as if I was exaggerating the whole thing," she said. "He told me to grow a pair... followed by a chuckle. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It took so much to go there in the first place and then I wished I hadn't.""

Secret filming over seven months captured evidence of racism, misogyny and officers reveling in the use of force at a busy London police station. More than 300 people subsequently contacted authorities with allegations of racism, corruption and bullying by police across England, describing mistreatment when reporting domestic abuse and sexual violence. Many victims reported retraumatizing responses, dismissiveness and trivialization by officers, including mocking comments and disbelief. The National Police Chiefs' Council reported efforts to improve vetting, misconduct procedures and to build a culture of integrity and trust, while victims continue to report widespread failures.

Read at www.bbc.com