Why do we still ask why victims don't report sexual violence, rather than fixing a system that makes reporting so difficult?
As national attention focuses on reforming police responses to sexual violence and domestic abuse, a critical question emerges: how can law enforcement, universities, and corporate employers shift from reactive policing to early intervention and shared accountability?
In this final episode of the current series of A City That Works - the podcast from The Finsbury Institute at City St George's, University of London - host Diana Beech is joined by Professor Katrin Hohl OBE (Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at City St George's and independent advisor to the UK government on sexual violence responses) and Commander Mandy Horsburgh (Operations and Security at City of London Police).
Aiming to bring research, policy, and practice together, they examine the impact of Operation Soteria, the new national operating model for rape investigations, and why the Square Mile’s unique demographics require innovative, trauma-informed policing. From "Ask for Angela" schemes and hotel safety toolkits to behavioural detection training and data-driven intelligence, they challenge us to rethink how we protect victims and target predatory behaviour.
Moving beyond the criminal justice system alone, this episode explores the vital role of civic institutions and corporate employers in spotting early red flags, signposting support, and funding early intervention before serious harm occurs. By outlining why agencies must "dare to share" vital information across health, education, and policing, this discussion provides a cross-sector roadmap for ensuring the City of London remains competitive, safe, fair, and vibrant for all those who live, work, invest, and trade in it.
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Join the Conversation: If you have a comment on any of the themes discussed, we would love to hear from you. Follow The Finsbury Institute on LinkedIn to share your thoughts or visit us on The Finsbury Institute website.
This series is proudly funded by the School of Policy and Global Affairs at City St George’s.
You can access a transcript of this conversation here.
This is a Research Podcasts production.
Episode Credits
Presenter: Diana Beech, Director of The Finsbury Institute at City St George's
Guests: Katrin Hohl and Mandy Horsburgh
Producer: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts
Editor: Alex Canner, Research Podcasts
Music: Indie House - Modern City, Sonican from Pixabay
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