Violence Against Women
Image of victim of violence against women
Improving our performance in cases involving Violence Against Women (VAW) continued to be a priority for the CPS during 2010-11, due to the concerns about the high level of victim abuse in these cases and the need to address public confidence. This is reflected in the government-wide Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plans launched in March 2011. Assessment of VAW crimes, including a sample of rape prosecutions, was incorporated into the Core Quality Standards Monitoring in 2010, and a VAW Crime Report was published in December 2010.
Areas were supported in taking on the management of their local performance through the introduction of a VAW Assurance scheme from January 2011. Areas are now required to report to the Chief Operating Officer on the quality of VAW prosecutions, including a qualitative assessment of 25% of rape prosecutions on a six-monthly basis.
In December 2010 the Director announced new measures to strengthen rape prosecutions, including the need for effective communication with victims and a merits-based approach to decision-making. Consultation on Guidance on Perverting the Course of Justice in cases involving rape and/or domestic violence allegations was issued in February 2011.
From April 2010 cases of forced marriage, honour-based violence, trafficking and child abuse were monitored to help bring about improvements in prosecutions, with specialist prosecutors trained.
Prosecuting all types of violence against women will remain a key priority for the Service in 2011-12.
