Ursula Meighan Chairperson of the Workers Party Women’s Committee has called the latest sexual discrimination verdict against the PSNI not only scandalous but a major cause for public concern at what was described as relentless pattern of misogyny

Ms Meighan is calling on the Justice Minister to investigate whether there is systemic misogynistic behaviour within the PSNI as there have been a number of cases regarding sexual abuse of vulnerable women by serving police officers. The fact that a high ranking female officer has won a discrimination case against the service for the sexual discrimination she suffered at the hands of her superiors, and ignored the relentless misogynistic behaviour inflicted on her, does not inspire confidence, that women in need of help and support would be treated any differently, and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Ms Meighan said violence and abuse against women and girls is on the increase and women are dependent on the justice system to protect them, that means the police service must be free from all forms of discrimination including misogyny. How can the female population be expected to put their faith in an institution that could be construed as being misogynistic.

Ms Meighan concluded by saying the PSNI the justice department and the minister must now take action to ensure that all equality processes are followed and taken seriously by those charged with implementing them. Many women will be asking themselves the question today, if police officers can behave in this way to their own female colleagues, what chance do we have as ordinary citizens.