Improving the quality of rape prosecutions
Rape is one of the cruellest and most degrading offences, and prosecuting it can be difficult. In Gloucestershire, we are now redoubling our efforts to achieve the highest standards and have already considerably improved our performance: Last year (1 April 2009 31 March 2010) 53% of rape cases we brought to court resulted in a successful conviction; So far this year (since 1 April 2010) 75% of cases have resulted in a successful conviction.
In recent years, all the agencies involved, including the police, the CPS and the courts have improved how they deal with rape and sexual assault. The public in Gloucestershire can be confident that rape victims in the county will be treated sensitively and that their attackers will be prosecuted robustly, but we still need to make improvements and there is no room for complacency.
While the figures tell us about recorded crimes, what they obviously can't tell us is the number of unreported offences. Nationally, it is estimated that only 15% of people who are raped or sexually assaulted report the matter to the police that means 85% don't. We need to do all we can to ensure that the victims of this horrible type of crime feel confident enough in the criminal justice system to come forward and tell us.
In Gloucestershire, CPS specialist rape prosecutors and the police work closely with both Gloucester Rape Crisis Centre and Gloucester SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) to ensure people who report these offenses are taken seriously and dealt with sensitively at all times.
I want you all to know that budget cuts will not affect the quality that you should expect from our specialist rape prosecutors, who will still be given the time and training to ensure they are the very best they can be. I will ensure that any decisions they make on whether or not to prosecute are based on the merits of the evidence. There can be no room for decisions based on the assumption that a jury might hold certain misconceptions or be intolerant (examples include what the complainant might have been wearing, or what he or she may have had to drink when the alleged attack took place).
I will also be closely monitoring how we communicate with complainants of rape and sexual offences in order to ensure we do so in language that is sensitive and that they can understand.
In the New Year, the CPS will be consulting with charities and organisations with expertise on sexual offences and other violent crimes about how and when we charge individuals with the offence of perverting the course of justice, particularly when a rape complainant is suspected of falsely retracting his or her allegation.
Prosecuting a rape complainant for perverting the course of justice is unusual, and the Director of Public Prosecutions has asked that his approval is sought before any decision to prosecute such a case is made.
Let me reassure you, I have a strong team of high calibre prosecutors. What I am doing is to make the team even better. We are determined to improve the quality of rape prosecutions, so that you can feel confident the Crown Prosecution Service will deal properly with the devastating offence of rape.
Gloucester Rape Crisis Centre who offer Free, confidential support for women and children who have been raped or sexually abused.
PO Box 16
Gloucester GL4 0RU
01452 526 770
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), in Gloucester, is one of the only centres in the country to be connected to a hospital and its sexual health services. This allows victims of rape and sexual assault to access medical care, counselling, advice and support as well as police services, all under one roof.
Hope House SARC
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Great Western Road
Gloucester
GL1 3NN
Opening Hours:
0900 hrs 1700 hrs Monday Friday tel: 01452 754390
Out of hours: please call 0845 090 1234
In an emergency: please call 999 or 112
