Govt tries to fix rape record
By politics.co.uk staff
The Home Office today announced new measures designed to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape and to help support victims.
The new initiative follows complaints from women’s groups about the lack of improvement in convictions.
Among the new proposals are ensuring all victims are seen by specially trained officers within an hour of reporting and increased funding of up to £1.8 million for sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) and independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs).
Home office minister Vernon Coaker said he hoped these measures would help police and prosecutors to investigate rape cases and ensure justice for victims.
“There are few crimes more horrific than rape and we know it is a uniquely difficult crime to investigate,” said Mr Coaker.
“It is essential that every victim has immediate access to the services and support they need to come forward and report these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
In addition to improved training for officers and guidance on best practice for forces a rape performance group will be set up to monitor and continually assess police and CPS performance.
The Home Office decided on the policies following discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
ACPO spokesman assistant commissioner John Yates welcomed the increased support for SARCs which he identified as “excellent facilities” which should be available across the nation.
“In recent years we have made significant advances in the way we approach investigation of this difficult offence, but despite that there is much more to do,” said Mr Yates.
“The new guidance to be published in the summer is a substantial piece of work undertaken by staff and officers who work with rape victims and who are determined to ensure the best possible standards are reached and applied uniformly across the country.”
The new policy also calls for specific rape sessions as part of the Violence Against Women and Girls consultation programme.
