Changes to rape trials will benefit victims (28/11/07)

Commenting on the changes to rape trials announced by the Government, Dr Katherine Rake, Director of the Fawcett Society, said:

"The changes to rape trials proposed by the Government are welcome. They should boost the confidence of women who have been raped that they will be treated fairly by the courts.

"In particular, providing information that better informs juries and tackles the myths around rape is necessary and welcome. If the conviction rate is going to improve there needs to be a greater understanding in the courtroom of the realities of rape, and today's proposals will help to achieve this.

"However, these changes will not by themselves lead to a significant improvement in the conviction rate as most cases fail long before they get to court. Responses to allegations of rape need to improve across the whole criminal justice system and wholesale reform is needed to tackle the failures in the investigation and prosecution of rape cases.

"This Government must prioritise tackling rape. Today's changes are a welcome first step but there is still a great deal more to be done to both prevent rape and ensure that where it does occur, women victims get the treatment they deserve."

To see the Government's announcement in full, please follow the link on the right hand side of this page.