Rape Charge Rates 2023-06-27
2023-06-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted that rape convictions were 30% higher in 2016 compared to 2010, questioning the adequacy of current charge rates.
What recent assessment has been made on the adequacy of rape charge rates?
Through the rape review, we are making strong progress in increasing the number of referrals to the Crown Prosecution Service and adult rape cases back to 2016 levels. Adult rape prosecutions have risen by 44% in the last year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted that women who report rape face a low chance of their perpetrators being charged, with an average wait time of 839 days for court proceedings.
Is it any wonder that women do not come forward when they have been raped? Not only is there a 1% chance of the perpetrator being charged, but women have to wait nearly three years for a result. Recent figures from Rape Crisis show delays impacting victims' mental health and wellbeing.
The number of prosecutions is higher this year than it was in 2010. There are 800 independent sexual violence advisers to support victims, which were not present in significant numbers in 2010.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the government has given up protecting women and girls
Regretting Language
Focusing On Statistics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP cited that there were 580 rapes recorded by Gwent police for the year ending March 2022, with only a 1.3% charge rate.
Given 580 rapes recorded and a 1.3% charge rate, how many Gwent cases resulted in successful prosecution?
The number of rape convictions is around the level it was in 2010. The number of cases passed by police to CPS for charge has increased by 130%, charged cases have risen more than 90%, and received Crown court cases are up over 120%. Sentences are now a third longer.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of successful prosecutions in Gwent
Disputing Statistics
Highlighting Progress
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledged increased case numbers and asked about speeding up the time taken to get a case to court.
Could he outline what more is being done to speed up the time taken to get a case to court?
Rolling out section 28s ensures that individuals can record their account on tape. Independent sexual violence advisers and independent domestic violence advisers provide critical support. Victims' services offer court familiarisation visits, victim personal statements updates from officers.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about section 28 achieving best evidence video interviews being de-prioritised due to criminal court backlogs.
Is he aware of incidents where such cases are being deprioritised because of the backlog?
I would be happy to look at these issues and discuss them with him in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to report back
Referring To Judiciary
Response accuracy