Rape and Sexual Assault Prosecutions
2020-12-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses declining rates of prosecution for rape and sexual violence, referencing the Victims Commissioner's findings on victim confidence in justice.
I can rehearse the figures on declining rates of prosecution for rape and sexual violence. The Victims Commissioner found that only one in seven victims believes they will get any form of justice through our criminal justice system. Does the Attorney General agree that if rape is not to be a de facto matter of impunity, we must have the rape review published as soon as possible and see urgent action?
The hon. Gentleman is wrong to suggest that perpetrators of rape can behave with immunity. The Government have decided to delay publication of the end-to-end rape review until 2021, so we can ensure proper engagement with stakeholders and assess other findings, including the survey by the Victims' Commissioner.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General did not directly address whether she agrees that urgent publication is needed or provide a timeline for action.
Delay Publication Until 2021
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses declining rates of prosecution for rape and sexual violence, referencing the Victims Commissioner's findings on victim confidence in justice.
I can rehearse the figures on declining rates of prosecution for rape and sexual violence. The Victims Commissioner found that only one in seven victims believes they will get any form of justice through our criminal justice system. Does the Attorney General agree that if rape is not to be a de facto matter of impunity, we must have the rape review published as soon as possible and see urgent action?
The hon. Gentleman is wrong to suggest that perpetrators of rape can behave with immunity. The Government have decided to delay publication of the end-to-end rape review until 2021, so we can ensure proper engagement with stakeholders and assess other findings, including the survey by the Victims' Commissioner.
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Assessment & feedback
The Attorney General did not directly address whether she agrees that urgent publication is needed or provide a timeline for action.
Delay Publication Until 2021
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the lowest level of rape prosecutions on record, referencing a survey finding that only 14% of survivors believe they would receive justice by reporting.
Rape prosecutions are at their lowest level on record, with recent surveys showing just 14% of survivors believe they will get justice. Does the Attorney General agree that violence against women is a violation of fundamental human rights and should focus on addressing failures in the criminal justice system rather than consultations on the Human Rights Act?
The decline in criminal justice outcomes for rape is a cause of deep concern. The CPS has published its strategy and updated legal guidance to address these issues, as part of an end-to-end rape review due next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly respond whether she agrees that the Government should focus on addressing failures in the system instead of Human Rights Act consultations.
Complex And Cross-System Decline
End-To-End Rape Review
Response accuracy