CPS policy supports rape victims

30/06/2004

A new public policy on how rape cases are handled by the Crown Prosecution Service was launched today, to encourage more victims to come forward and to give them greater confidence in the prosecution process.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Colin Chapman said: "It is thought that only 20 per cent of rape cases are reported to police. The main reason for this low rate is the reluctance of victims and witnesses to come forward through fear or the belief that cases will not be prosecuted.

"We prosecute rape cases and successfully secure convictions for rapists. This policy demonstrates that the CPS takes cases involving allegations of rape seriously but deals with them sensitively, whatever the sex, culture, race or sexual orientation of the victim.

"Victims often feel unable to go through with court proceedings, in which they will usually be the most important and essential witness. I hope this policy will encourage more victims to come forward and get the support they need so that perpetrators can be brought to justice."

CPS Northamptonshire has specialist prosecutors who review cases involving allegations of rape and put together the strongest possible case even when the evidence may be limited to the victim's word against the defendant's.

The public policy statement - developed following extensive consultation with the voluntary sector and other organisations representing rape victims - contains contact details of community groups that offer invaluable help to victims. It also explains how victims and witnesses of sexual offences are eligible for special measures in court.

The Rt Hon Harriet Harman, QC MP, said: "Whether committed by a stranger or a friend, work colleague or partner, rape is a callous, brutal attack which leaves the victim - and very often those around the victim such as family and friends - profoundly affected".

Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Rape

Notes

1. The public statement was put together following the Report on the Joint Inspection into the Investigation and Prosecution of Cases involving Allegations of Rape in April 2002. Since its publication, the CPS and police have been working together to improve the way in which rape cases are handled from the crime being reported right through to the end of the criminal justice process.
2. Each CPS Area has nominated one specialist rape prosecutor to act as a 'rape coordinator'. Their role is to monitor rape cases, liaise with external Criminal Justice System agencies and the voluntary sector. The rape co-coordinators liaise closely with the CPS domestic violence co-ordinators because in many rape cases the offender is the partner (or other family member) of the victim.