Suffolk Police have issued an apology to Emily Doherty, the surviving victim of serial killer Steve Wright, for the way her kidnapping case was handled, but they declined to open a formal inquiry.
Suffolk Police have publicly apologized to Emily Doherty, the sole surviving victim of the notorious serial killer Steve Wright, regarding the handling of her case. Doherty bravely recounted her traumatic experience last week, revealing how Wright had attempted to abduct her in Felixstowe back in 1999. Despite ensuring her safety, she was left feeling belittled and dismissed by the authorities after reporting the incident, describing her feelings of being made to feel like a 'silly little girl.'
The admissions by Suffolk Police come on the heels of Wright being convicted of murdering 17-year-old Victoria Hall, whose disappearance in 1999 has been linked to the growing concerns over the policing of violent crimes against women. While the police have expressed regret over their past handling of Doherty's case, they have stopped short of committing to a full investigation into the allegations of negligence. This further fuels discussions about systemic issues within law enforcement regarding how incidents involving female victims are treated and perceived.
Doherty's story, highlighting the emotional and psychological scars left by such traumatic events, serves as a reminder of the broader implications of public safety, victim support, and the responsibility of police forces to advocate for survivors. The lack of a formal inquiry from Suffolk Police could signal a reluctance to address historical failings in policing, potentially undermining public trust in their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. The apology indicates progress but also highlights ongoing needs for reform within the system.
