Conservatives launch proposals to tackle rape (12/11/07)

Commenting on the Conservatives’ proposals to tackle rape, Dr Katherine Rake, Director of the Fawcett Society, said:

“It is very welcome that the Conservatives are now speaking out on rape. This is a key issue for women in the UK and the Fawcett Society welcomes the proposals set out today by David Cameron.

“The rape conviction rate is a national disgrace, while there is currently a lack of investment in services for rape victims. Rape Crisis Centres are at risk of closing all over the country due to a lack of funding, leaving women with nowhere to turn at a time when they desperately need support. We also welcome the fact that David Cameron is seeking to move the debate forward by examining public attitudes to rape, and recognising that schools have an important role to play in preventing rape.

“Women have been let down for years as politicians have failed to prioritise tackling rape. We hope today’s announcements will be the start of a serious debate on how to address the shameful rape conviction rate and the lack of services available to rape victims, and an important step towards finally giving rape the political priority it deserves. This should not be a party political issue, and we now look to the Government to respond in a positive way to these proposals.”