Wiltshire Police have responded to a police watchdog's report on how forces deal with violence against women and girls.
In March the Home Secretary commissioned Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to inspect police engagement with women and girls.
Findings outlined in an interim report include the police not always investigating effectively, recent improvements not being enough and 'indefensible' low rates of prosecution.
Offences of violence against women and girls include rape, domestic abuse, harassment and honour-based abuse.
Wiltshire Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper said in a statement: "Following the tragic death of Sarah Everard in March, this has brought to the forefront public concerns about women and girls’ safety in public places. Although, we - as a police force - have always been aware of and have dealt with this type of complex crime.
"We welcome the report's findings and recognise that, although improvements into how we respond and investigate VAWG crimes have been made, more work needs to be done to strengthen our joint working with partners with the aim of protecting victims, bringing offenders to justice and ultimately stopping the cycle of abuse.
"This is one of the most intrusive, personal violating crimes, which can leave the victim feeling vulnerable both physically and psychologically for years, if not for the rest of their life. No one deserves to feel like that.
"Wiltshire is a very safe county, but we will continue to work with our stakeholders, following the recommendations of this interim report, to ensure the public can feel safe day or night in our towns and villages."
Victims of violence should call the police on 999 if the crime is in progress or has just happened, and the force can also be contacted on 101 and via its website.
People can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The interim report can be found at https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/publications/interim-report-inspection-into-how-effectively-the-police-engage-with-women-and-girls/
Findings outlined in an interim report include the police not always investigating effectively, recent improvements not being enough and 'indefensible' low rates of prosecution.
Offences of violence against women and girls include rape, domestic abuse, harassment and honour-based abuse.
Wiltshire Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper said in a statement: "Following the tragic death of Sarah Everard in March, this has brought to the forefront public concerns about women and girls’ safety in public places. Although, we - as a police force - have always been aware of and have dealt with this type of complex crime.
"We welcome the report's findings and recognise that, although improvements into how we respond and investigate VAWG crimes have been made, more work needs to be done to strengthen our joint working with partners with the aim of protecting victims, bringing offenders to justice and ultimately stopping the cycle of abuse.
"This is one of the most intrusive, personal violating crimes, which can leave the victim feeling vulnerable both physically and psychologically for years, if not for the rest of their life. No one deserves to feel like that.
"Wiltshire is a very safe county, but we will continue to work with our stakeholders, following the recommendations of this interim report, to ensure the public can feel safe day or night in our towns and villages."
Victims of violence should call the police on 999 if the crime is in progress or has just happened, and the force can also be contacted on 101 and via its website.
People can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The interim report can be found at https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/publications/interim-report-inspection-into-how-effectively-the-police-engage-with-women-and-girls/
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