WLD rape campaign even more pertinent

3.58.03pm GMT Thu 1st Feb 2007

A Crown Prosecution Service report has found that there are severe failings in the conviction of rape; suggesting that too many rape claims are dismissed as unfounded.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions on 31st January, Sir Menzies Campbell asked the Prime Minister,

"Does the Prime Minister share public concern about the fact that at 5 per cent., the conviction rate for the crime of rape in this country is one of the lowest in Europe?"

Menzies Campbell called for a wholesale review of the law to protect both male and female victims of rape.

Tony Blair responded to suggestions that more needed to be done in providing support for victims by stating,

"I am satisfied that those have improved dramatically over the past few years. Victims are treated with far greater care and far greater attention to their trauma than was the case a decade or a couple of decades ago."

Speaking in reaction to this statement, Chair of WLD, Liz Evans said,

WLD is extremely concerned about the appallingly low conviction rates for what is a devastating physical and psychological attack. We took a motion to September conference calling for the Party to challenge the government over why it is so hard to get a conviction for this particular crime when the judges are usually only too happy to hand out sentences. We are pleased that Ming has raised this issue at PMQs and will continue to campaign on the issue.

For further information about the WLD rape campaign please contact the office, or alternatively download a campaign pack from the website.