Devon and Cornwall Police have formally apologised and paid compensation to nine women who alleged they were subjected to abuse by male officers. The force settled the claims without admitting liability following a two-year legal battle.
The women alleged a range of abuse, including rape, assault, threats, harassment, and coercive control, while in relationships with male officers from the force. Some of the women also served in Devon and Cornwall Police.
It was alleged that some male officers were promoted or kept in sensitive positions even after accusations were made against them. The force has denied allegations of a cover-up but has vowed to improve how it protects women from police-perpetrated domestic abuse.
Chief Constable James Vaughan personally apologised in March 2026 for the force's conduct in its investigations of their reports of police-perpetrated domestic abuse. The force stated that no evidence has been identified to suggest a cover-up or misogyny.