Policeman accused of raping abuse victim

A policeman who allegedly raped a woman after she filed a domestic abuse complaint will be charged, Israel Radio reported Wednesday morning. The suspect has denied the accusations against him.

The Department for Investigating Policemen told Israel Hayom that “a policeman was arrested” after he was suspected of committing a list of crimes, including those of a sexual nature. “Following his investigation he was put under house arrest.”

The alleged victim arrived at a police station in central Israel last week and filed a domestic abuse complaint against her husband. Officers at the station decided to bring her to a shelter for abused women. One of the officers on duty was assigned to escort her.

En route to the shelter, her police escort turned into a side street and raped her, the woman claimed. She subsequently lodged an official complaint with the police.

During initial investigations the suspect denied rape claims, and according to Israel Hayom, he admitted the two engaged in consensual relations.

Israel Radio reported that in the wake of the incident police officials are considering reinstating a regulation that would require at least two officers to escort abused women.