One woman every week is reporting police officers for seriously abusing them or their children, a Channel 4 investigation has revealed.
Around 129 are reported to have contacted the Centre for Women's Justice (CWJ), claiming to have been a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of their partner in the police.
Women have made allegations of being raped, beaten or coerced by their spouse or partner, according to the CWJ.
Some victims, who spoke to Channel 4, said they felt they had been 'silenced' as they blamed a 'boys club' culture of cover ups and a failure to investigate claims.
The broadcaster spoke to 14 women who alleged there had been a failure by detectives to investigate their own police officers.
Some victims even claimed that their cases were manipulated by detectives using their 'power' and 'status' to control investigations.
A Freedom of Information request by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that from 2015 to 2018, almost 700 reports of domestic violence were made involving police officers and staff.
A Home Office spokesperson said they expect each allegation to be investigated 'thoroughly, with the appropriate action taken.'
But figures released by Channel 4, show that police accused of domestic abuse are a third less likely to be convicted than the general public.
Former Scotland Yard Deputy Assistant Commissioner David Gilbertson told the broadcaster he believed domestic abuse at the hands of police officers was an 'epidemic.'
He said: "It is about men in authority exercising power over women and it is about failure of leadership on an epic scale in policing.
"I know of cases where officers who were attached to Domestic Violence Units actively searched out vulnerable women for sexual gratification and in order to gain access to their children for sexual purposes."
Speaking to Channel 4, victim Stacey, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said she spent 20 years in an abusive relationship with her police officer partner.
She said: "He raped me and then said you better get up and do me breakfast."
Stacey allegedly reported the rape and domestic abuse to the police force where her partner used to be based - in the Child Protection Unit.
"Everyone is linked in the police," she said.
"It’s a boys club. Police are supposed to be there to be trusted and they’re not. I can’t trust them.
"They were all of his mates… so how are you supposed to have an objective view of a bloke that everyone knows."
Channel 4 News contacted the force in question who confirmed her ex-partner, who denies the allegations, was interviewed but said "there was insufficient evidence to proceed."
The Centre for Women's Justice has now reportedly submitted a 'super complaint' to police watchdogs.
A super complaint applies to complaints with 'a feature or combination of features' of policing in England and Wales by one or more than one police force which appears to be harming the interests of the public.
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, senior representatives from the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the College of Policing are now investigating the complaint.
A crowdjustice page, set up to 'hold police officers who abuse women to account' has received over £6,000 in donations.
It was launched by two women who had been effected by the case of a Gwent Police officer, who was able to use his position to escape justice for abusing women.
The page reads: "Entrusted with the training of new recruits, he would develop relationships with junior colleagues before subjecting them to forms of controlling and coercive behaviour.
"Earlier this year, that officer was finally dismissed, after a disciplinary panel upheld allegations of violent and domineering behaviour made by multiple women.
"Complaints made about the officer’s misconduct to Gwent Police force were ignored and mishandled.
"As a result, he was allowed to remain in the position while women who complained were victimised and in one instance pushed out of her job."
A Home Office Spokesperson told Channel 4: "College of Policing Guidance is clear that any allegations against them should be immediately referred to a designated chief officer as well as the relevant Professional Standards Department.
"We rightly expect each allegation to be investigated thoroughly, with the appropriate action taken."
