APCC Victims Leads comment on rape charge statistics released by HMICFRS
Commenting on rape charge statistics released by HMICFRS today, APCC Victims Leads Sophie Linden, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime & Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner said:
“The rape statistics released today raise significant questions and concerns. As Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) we are alarmed that that whilst reports of rape are rising, the number of rape charges are decreasing nationally. Victims of rape show immense courage in reporting this heinous crime, yet at present too often the criminal justice system is letting them down. It is critical that victims have confidence that when they report a crime, they will be supported by a robust response. Currently on too many occasions this is not happening and we cannot allow this to continue.
“PCCs champion the needs of victims in their local communities, commissioning services to help them to cope and recover after crime. We need all criminal justice agencies to come together to improve the criminal justice system for some of its most vulnerable users, encouraging more victims to come forward seeking justice and having their voices heard.
“We call on Government to reintroduce the Domestic Abuse Bill at the earliest opportunity in the next Parliament and on all criminal justice agencies to come together to commit to making the system more effective, ensuring that all victims of this devastating crime are protected and supported through every stage of the judicial process.”