FOLLOWING the figures published this week which show a huge disparity in the number of rapes reported to police and the number of charges brought, our region's PCC's are looking at the issue.
Here are the statements from Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland's PCCs in full.
Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victim's Commissioner
“Rape is an extremely serious crime often resulting in devastating consequences. "The impact of this crime on individual victims, their families and often whole communities cannot be underestimated.
"I would urge anyone who believes they have been a victim of rape, or sexual assault, to come forward and be reassured that help and support is available.” “Supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice requires all criminal justice agencies to work together to ensure cases are investigated thoroughly, victims and witnesses supported and evidence presented that results in successful outcomes.”
Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire PCC
“These figures highlight a domino effect that topples through the criminal justice system beginning with the police and ending up with rapists getting away with their crimes.
“While North Yorkshire’s charge rate is well above the national average, it remains low and I have serious concerns about performance which I raised at our last Local Criminal Justice Partnership meeting, where I asked all partners to review their work.
“Across the board, here and across the country, we are not doing well enough and there is much more to be done to help give victims of rape the confidence they need to come forward and for perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“It is essential for victims to know they will be treated sensitively and taken seriously, and that by coming forward, there is a strong chance that justice will be done. This is clearly not the case at present.
“I urge all partners to work together to better address this serious issue and look forward to hearing their proposals at the next Local Criminal Justice Partnership Board.”
Barry Coppinger, Cleveland PCC
“It takes an incredible amount of strength to report a sexual offence to the police and the increasing number of reported rapes is a positive sign that victims have more confidence to come forward and seek help.
“A more detailed examination is needed to understand why fewer people are being charged for rape offences and it is imperative that the police do everything within their power to secure a positive outcome for the victim. We have jointly established a rape scrutiny panel, which examines how domestic abuse and rape cases are handled by the police – from start to finish - to ensure best practice is identified and any learning taken away.
“As PCC, I have responsibility to ensure victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault have access to a range of support services, to enable and empower them to continue their journey through the criminal justice system.
"I helped establish and co-fund our Teesside Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which has video link technology to allow sexual violence victims to give evidence without facing their attacker in the courtroom.
"I’ve also funded the development of a film for victims to fully understand what will happen in the courtroom when their case goes to trial.
“The entire criminal justice system has a duty to ensure that justice is served and that vulnerable victims feel supported to take on what is a very intimidating and frightening process.
"I will continue to invest in services to give victims this confidence, and expect Cleveland Police to deliver a policing service they deserve.”
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