Yahoo Movies What victims’ groups and voices from legal profession say about rape review
A landmark rape review has acknowledged the depth of systematic failures in the criminal justice system. The proposals have been welcomed but victims’ groups and voices across the legal profession expressed concerns that it does not produce the urgent measures and funding that are needed.
Dame Vera Baird QC, the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales:
“I welcome that ministers have today rightly voiced their shame at this abysmal record and resolved to reverse this downward trend. This is important. Even so, there is no hiding that this review presents some missed opportunities.
“I welcome and support those proposals likely to make a difference.”
Sumanta Roy, the head of research, evaluation and development at the women’s organisation Imkaan:
“Where is the leadership from the police and CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] to show us that black victims would feel confident to report rape and receive justice through the [criminal justice system]? Without effective leadership and a focus on these issues this will send a message to perpetrators that they can continue to commit these crimes with impunity.”
Claire Waxman, London’s victims’ commissioner:
“It has taken two years for us to see this review, and we have no more time to waste. My message to ministers is that we simply can’t wait a further two years for these recommendations to take effect – they have to be done immediately.”
Derek Sweeting QC, the chair of the Bar Council:
“The investigation and prosecution of allegations of rape has been crying out for reform … but without better funding for every part of the criminal justice system which deals with these cases, the government’s ambitious action plan will fail.
“Barristers both prosecute and defend these cases, so we see all sides of the challenge in providing access to justice through a critically under-resourced criminal justice system. The Bar Council will continue to engage with government on this issue. In return, the government needs to deliver the resources to make good on its promises.”
Emily Hunt, an independent adviser to the rape review:
“[While] individual investigations and charging decisions should never be politicised, the fact of the matter is the police and CPS are funded by us: the people of this country. They should be accountable to us for failing to do their jobs, and it is easy to see that the plummeting rape prosecution rates in this country over the last five years are nothing but a massive failure of doing their jobs.
“Independence should not mean operating with impunity. It should not mean no accountability. It should not mean getting to continue on as if everything is fine. Everything is not fine.”
In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support for rape and sexual abuse on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
