What's the problem?

The statistics paint a picture of a system which is failing women. It is estimated that only 15 percent of serious sexual offences against adults are reported to the police and of the rape offences that are reported only 6.5% percent result in conviction.

High profile cases such as the case of the taxi driver rapist, John Worboys, who was convicted of 19 charges of drugging and sexually assaulting 12 female passengers and is reported to have attacked up to 100 women after complaints made by women to police were not properly investigated, expose a system which is not working in practice. Rape is frequently not treated with the professionalism or vigour devoted to other crimes. While there have been some important steps in the development of policy and increased acknowledgement of the existence of violence against women as a significant issue, frontline staff continue to doubt the credibility of victims and society continues to ‘judge’ the victim rather than the perpetrator.

Support for women who experience violence is also lacking. Currently, there is inconsistent provision of violence against women services across England and Wales, particularly in rural areas. The recent Map of Gaps 2 report produced by EVAW in partnership with the EHRC, revealed that over a quarter of local authorities across Great Britain have no specialised VAW support service. Significantly underserved regions were identified as the East of England and the South East.

While the Government commitment to setting up Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in each police area is commendable, there is also a need for the difference between SARCS and Rape Crisis Centres (RCC’s) to be taken into account. While the growth in SARCS is necessary, RCCs are equally valuable and need to receive equal attention and funding. In 2008, 69 percent of Rape Crisis Centres reported they lacked sustainable funding. In April 2008, the Government announced funding of £1 million to fund rape crisis centres. This funding, when it was finally delivered in November 2008, was welcome but it was a stop-gap measure sufficient only for averting the closure of eight centres rather than allowing investment in any additional provision. The announcement of further funding in March 2009, of £1.6 million is encouraging. However, a long term funding solution is yet to be identified.

The Government has also announced funding for a domestic violence helpline (there is a DV helpline currently run by Women’s Aid and Refuge) and this is welcomed. However, there is also a need for a national helpline for sexual violence. The Government committed to the establishment of this helpline in the Sexual Violence Action Plan and this should be progressed as a matter of urgency.