Rape on trial

Rape convictions are currently at an all time low.

In 1982 Roger Graef's documentary for the BBC called A Complaint of Rape prompted the police to change the way they deal with rape.

25 years on, Panorama asks if anything has changed for women who report rape.

WHAT PANORAMA FOUND OUT
"I felt like I was put on trial."
Student who went to court because she believed she had been raped
"We must do a lot more to help victims."
Mike O'Brien
Solicitor General

There has been a sevenfold rise in the number of people reporting rape since 1985 but only one in 20 people accused of the crime is convicted.

A third of victims withdraw their complaints to the police because they are afraid of going to court.

The film explores the difficulties faced by people who claim they were too drunk to give informed consent and explores whether the law might be changed as recommended by the Law Commission.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised by Panorama in Rape on Trial and would like to talk to someone in confidence for further information and support, please call the BBC Action Line on BBC Action Line 08000 565 450. Lines may be busy, so please remember that the Action Line is open seven days a week, from 0730 to 0000. All calls are free and confidential.

Panorama: Rape on Trial was on BBC One on June 25 2006.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Read a transcript of the programme
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What to do if you have been raped
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