Suffolk Police have formally apologised to Emily Doherty, the only surviving victim of the notorious serial killer Steve Wright, also known as the Suffolk Strangler. The apology comes after Doherty shared her experience of attempted abduction by Wright in 1999, expressing feelings of belittlement by the police when she reported the crime. Despite her brave escape, where she sought help from locals, Doherty felt her concerns were dismissed, highlighting systemic issues within the police response to such incidents.

Wright was recently convicted for the murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall, who went missing in 1999, bringing renewed focus on his previous crimes, including the attempted abduction of Doherty the night before Hall's disappearance. The police's acknowledgment of Doherty’s experience indicates a significant shift in how similar cases might be treated in the future, yet raises questions about accountability as they chose not to pursue a formal inquiry into the handling of her case.

The apology by Suffolk Police could have broader implications for victims of crime, particularly women, as it opens up discussions about the perceived inadequacies of police responses over the years. While the police have taken a step towards acknowledging past wrongdoings, the refusal to commit to a deeper investigation leaves lingering concerns about the treatment of victims and the importance of believing and supporting their claims.