Rape survivor who joined the Met: ‘Domestic abuse is very different to any other form of crime’

Trainee detective constable says her ordeal helps her to empathise with victims and help other officers on her team

• Victims of domestic abuse have lost trust in Met police, says senior officer

A Metropolitan police officer who was assaulted and raped by an ex-partner has channelled her ordeal into targeting domestic abusers.

The trainee detective constable, who works in a safeguarding unit in east London, was a student when the abusive relationship left her feeling suicidal. The woman, 24, who is not being named for legal reasons, hopes that speaking out about her experience will give victims the confidence to report abusers to the police.