In Focus – Rape: We need an open and honest conversation about rape and sexual offences

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt, the national lead for adult sexual offences, says victims must be encouraged to report incidents but also have a right to expect a more honest approach to discussions about the realities of prosecuting rape claims.

“We need to be honest about the challenges that are faced in investigating and prosecuting rape,” said DAC Hewitt.

“Police will do everything they can to ensure that victims get the support they need when reporting a rape or sexual offence.”

“We will thoroughly investigate the offence and put all our efforts into ensuring justice is done. We want to support those who are victims of these crimes and do all we can to increase reporting levels.

“The conviction rate is at an all-time high and this is down to the hard work of police, prosecutors and other agencies working together to develop victim focused approaches and take cases through the courts. But, despite the bravery and tenacity of the victims who do go through the process, a third of rape prosecutions still don’t end in a conviction.”

“That can put people off reporting because they think it isn’t worth it. I really want to show people this week that victims should have the confidence to report. It triggers a full investigation into the offence, but also means that victims are able to access medical treatment and support services to help them cope with the experience.”

In 2012/13, 3,692 rape prosecutions were brought with 63.2 per cent of these cases resulting in convictions; a 5.5 per cent increase from 2008/9. Reporting of sexual offences to the police is also up 9 per cent this year; the largest increase since current recording standards began. The public debate about sex offences, particularly non recent child abuse, may have been responsible for this increase.

Jordan Hart, an 18 year old rape survivor whose attacker was jailed for 11 years, has waived her anonymity to support the campaign and encourage more women and men who are victims of rape to report it to the police:

“Reporting to the police gave me peace of mind, knowing I hadn’t been beaten by him. I was supported by my SOIT officer who gave me advice, guidance, explained what was going to happen and how long it would take; I didn’t do anything alone.”

During the week of 2-6 December, police forces will be running targeted campaigns focussing on communicating how they deal with rape and sexual offences, the support victims should expect and the realities of the judicial process into this type of claim. DAC Hewitt will also be taking to Twitter to answer questions about how the police can better deal with this type of crime directly.

The last six years have seen significant improvements in the police response to sexual offences; specialist training of officers, the introduction of early evidence kits, greater access to sexual assault referral centres, and working closely with support groups.

DAC Hewitt also called for people to take the debate on prevention of sexual offences seriously:

“The debate is far too often restricted to investigation and prosecution; I am very keen that we do all we can to tackle rape and that means generating a challenging debate about prevention as well. Most rape involves the coming together of some form of power and some type of vulnerability; either permanent or temporary. We need to be using all our powers and tactics to understand how this happens, to mitigate the vulnerability and reduce the opportunities for that power to be abused. I am keen to talk about how this can be done.”

To report a sexual offence or rape to the police, call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Activity

National Policing Lead for Adult Sex Offences Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt will have some availability for interviews over the week. To arrange an interview contact Nicola Growcott in the ACPO Press Office on 020 7084 8946 or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

For interviews with police officers specialising sexual offence investigation contact the ACPO press office.

Police forces will be managing their own activity and campaigns over the week so please contact force press offices directly for more details.

DAC Martin Hewitt will be doing a Twitter Q&A on Tuesday 3 December 2-4pm.

The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

Additional comments

Javed Khan, Chief Executive of Victim Support said:

"Victims' needs must come first in any approach to dealing with rape. They need to know they will be taken seriously, treated sensitively by all criminal justice agencies, and given access to specialist support services as and when they need them. It takes a great deal of courage for victims to come forward - but their confidence to do so is vital in bringing perpetrators to justice.

"Victim Support can help victims of rape come to terms with what has happened, and to move on with their lives. We offer emotional and practical support, and can provide or refer to specialist services, such as counselling. We would urge anyone who has been a victim of, or affected by rape, to contact their local Victim Support, or our Supportline in confidence, on 0845 30 30 900.”

Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said:

“It is vital that victims feel confident that if they report rape or sexual offending to the police, their case will be dealt with thoroughly and sensitively and that they will be supported throughout the process. This is why communication with victims is so important and why the CPS has rolled out specialist units dedicated to handling these cases, across the country.

“These units are staffed by trained prosecutors with expertise in handling rape cases, including detailed understanding of the psychological effects of sexual violence, how to challenge the associated myths and stereotypes and, importantly, ensuring victims are given the support they deserve.

“By continuing to improve the quality of investigations and prosecutions of rape cases, and ensuring that support to victims is a priority throughout each case, we will encourage others to come forward to report these terrible crimes and further drive up conviction rates. I welcome the debate which needs to be wider than just criminal justice practitioners and should include highlighting the myths and stereotypes which still influence some members of society.”

Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, Vice President of the Police Superintendents Association of England and Wales said:

"It is important for everyone involved in dealing with cases of rape to ensure that the victim remains at the centre of the service across the whole criminal justice system. The service they receive needs to be personal and supportive, tailored to their needs.

"An increase in reporting should be viewed as an indication of the increasing confidence of victims to engage with the criminal justice system.

"The Association has been a strong advocate of early intervention, and this is one area where better education, and partnerships can work together to change attitudes to sexual violence and reduce the likelihood of individuals becoming victims. We support the call for a more open debate on how we can reduce offences of rape in the future."

Further information and sources

Below is a list of other agencies supporting victims of or those affected by rape and sexual offences:

Statutory partners:

? The Havens
? Victim Support Services

Non-statutory partners:

? Action on Elder Abuse - Works to protect and prevent the abuse of older adults.
? Barnardos - Assisting young people experiencing sexual abuse and other various issues.
? Broken Rainbow - Support for LGBT people experiencing domestic violence.
? Galop - LGBT support group.
? One in four - Support for children and young adults who have experienced rape or sexual assault
? Rape Crisis - For women who have been raped.
? Refuge - Emergency accommodation for women and children.
? Survivors UK - Offering support to men who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
? The Survivors Trust - is a national umbrella agency for 130 specialist rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse support organisations
? The Samaritans - For anyone in distress or despair
? The Terrence Higgins Trust - Sexual health and HIV information for young people.
? Voice UK - Supporting people with learning difficulties.

Rape conviction rates - http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/latest_news/vawg_report_2013/

Increase in recorded sexual offences - http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/period-ending-june-2013/info-sexual-offenses.html

A SOIT is a Sexual Offence Investigative Techniques officer. SOITs are trained to play a specialist role in supporting victims of sexual offences through the course of police investigation.

In Focus

In Focus - Rape is part of a series focussing on issues most important to policing – led the Association of Chief Police Officers. The spotlight will be on a different issue for a week each month, including alcohol harm, domestic abuse and cyber crime.

For more information please contact:

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