Rape Cases Conviction and Prosecution Rates 2021-12-14
2021-12-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent report from the Victims Commissioner found that only 1% of rape cases make it to trial, prompting concerns about current measures.
According to a recent report, just 1% of rape cases made it to trial. The Minister has mentioned new measures trying to improve this record. However, many rape victims reported their sexual history and mental health records being 'pulled apart'. Will the Minister commit to radical reform of Crown Prosecution Service governance as called for by the End Violence Against Women Coalition to ensure that victims are not treated as suspects?
The hon. Lady makes an excellent point. The main pilot we will be holding for Operation Soteria is with Avon and Somerset police, where instead of the usual single officer investigating allegations of rape, two officers will be involved, one of whom will have primary responsibility for liaising with the victim to avoid attrition in the system.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to radical reform of CPS governance
Let Me Explain
Importance Of This Pilot
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over victims of rape and domestic abuse having to pay for child contact services, impacting their ability to maintain abuser's contact with the child.
Does my hon. Friend think it is right that victims of rape and domestic abuse should have to pay child contact costs to maintain their abuser's contact with their child?
Let me first add my comments to those of the Secretary of State in terms of the experience of my hon. Friend. She has been incredibly courageous. I am speaking on behalf of the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Louth and Horncastle (Victoria Atkins), who I will ask to write to my hon. Friend on that specific point.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific issue raised about paying child contact costs
Let Me First Add My Comments
Courage Of My Hon. Friend
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
First rape review scorecard shows poor performance with only 0.6% of adult rape cases resulting in a charge, taking three times as long compared to other crimes.
The first rape review scorecard published last week showed poor performance: just 0.6% of adult rape cases reported to police resulted in a charge and it takes three times longer for rape cases to get through the justice system compared with other crimes. While welcoming section 28 roll-out, Labour called for this back in March. The Government apologised but progress is slow. How much longer will survivors have to wait for justice?
While key 2020-21 data show that performance is consistently lower than the baseline in priority areas, these metrics reflect the period before the rape review was published and the action plan was implemented. The focus should be on a joined-up collaborative approach to improve the system.
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Assessment & feedback
Timeline for significant improvements
Reflects Pre-Action Plan
Collaborative Approach
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Published the interim rape review report with plans to improve criminal justice system response.
What steps is he taking to improve conviction and prosecution rates for cases of rape?
Published the interim rape review report in June, expanding pre-recorded cross-examination under section 28, rolling out Operation Soteria and introducing single source of 24/7 support for victims.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy