The women allege they were subjected to a range of abuse including rape, assault, threats, harassment and coercive control while in relationships with male officers from the force. Some of the officers served in positions protecting women from male violence, with one appointed after allegations were made and another retained in the sensitive role after the force received accusations.
The women claim the force in south-west England covered up the serious crimes, a charge the force denies. One woman, a former serving police officer, described being attacked while holding her baby: "I had my baby in my arms. My other child was screaming as he rained punches on any area of my body he could get at." She says the officer was promoted twice after allegations were made and was appointed to a leadership role in the force's effort to tackle violence against women and girls.
Three of the women were arrested after accusations from their alleged abusers. One, a teacher, was cautioned, which was later erased from her criminal record. A senior source who served in the force's leadership said: "At best it was bad investigations, at worst it was collusion with the attackers."
The women say at least four of the officers involved are still serving; the force declined to answer that question. Four of the women served in the force but have now left. The settlements were reached after a two-year legal battle, without the force admitting liability. Chief Constable James Vaughan has personally apologised for the failings, according to the force.