ACPO comment on Mumsnet rape campaign

ACPO lead for rape and serious sexual offences, Chief Constable Dave Whatton, said:

“We welcome this campaign and what Mumsnet is working to achieve. One of the most difficult offences police and prosecutors deal with is rape. We are really pleased that we have seen an increase in the confidence of survivors of rape to come forward over the last couple of years that is reflected in the increasing numbers of recorded offences of rape, but recognise that this is still the tip of the iceberg of all victims. This is why we are working closely with organisations such as Rape Crisis and Survivors Trust who can make sure women, and sometimes men, get the support they need even if they don't make formal complaints. The investigations are complex and the need for joint working to ensure successful convictions is critical.

“There has been significant improvements over recent years in the way victims of rape are treated. Improvements in specialist training of officers and better access to sexual assault referral centres have assisted the policing response and that of our partners in health and the voluntary sector. But I know that there is no room for complacency.

“We will continue to work hard and encourage the development of dedicated rape investigation teams, staffed jointly by the police and Crown Prosecution Service, to improve both our care of survivors and improve the chances of bringing rapists to justice."

For more information about the campaign click here: http://www.mumsnet.com/campaigns/we-believe-you-mumsnet-rape-awareness-campaign

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk