Shake-up for rape case procedures

Many victims are too scared to report attacks

Rape victims are to play a key role in changing how sex assault cases are dealt with, it has been announced.

The Crown Prosecution Service has launched a consultation exercise with support groups following complaints the legal system fails those who have been attacked.

The number of convictions shows quite clearly that we must do more to support rape victims

Harriet Harman

Solicitor General Harriet Harman QC said the consultation was part of ongoing work to ensure victims had confidence in the criminal justice system.

During the consultation, which begins next month, rape victims will be asked what can be done to encourage those who have been attacked to take the case to court.

The exercise will also focus on how prosecutors or police could help victims in the courtroom, and what extra information could be given to victims to make the process easier.

Government plans are already under way to set up a nationwide network of specially trained rape prosecutors.

"Rape is a callous and brutal crime," Ms Harman said.

"The justice gap between the number of reported rapes and the number of convictions shows quite clearly that we must do more to support rape victims through the often traumatic criminal justice process."

Ms Harman said: "This is part of our determination to ensure justice for rape victims and to ensure the guilty are convicted."

Victim support

Each year the number of convictions for rape is growing but the increase is not keeping pace with the rise in reports of rape.

Ms Harman said that, since 1985, reports of rape had increased by 400% but convictions by only 40%.

Director of Public Prosecutions Sir David Calvert-Smith QC said: "What we are very anxious to do is make sure victims of these crimes are supported from the moment they pluck up the courage to go to the police to the moment the case is concluded at Crown Court."

Support organisations complain that, when rape victims take the witness stand, they find themselves subject to excessive cross-examination about their sexual history.

Special measures, including screens to hide victims giving evidence in court, are already working well.