News

June News updated 15 June

REVIEW OF SEXUAL OFFENCES/ RAPE AT NEW RECORD HIGH

REVIEW OF SEXUAL OFFENCES

Rape Crisis Scotland has welcomed the announcement of a review of Scotland ’s rape and sexual offence laws.

First Minister Jack McConnell announced the review on June 3. Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson has asked the Scottish Law Commission to carry out a wide-ranging and comprehensive review of the criminal law in relation to rape and other sexual offences.

It will look at:

The law and definition of rape and its proof
The common law and statutory provisions relating to sexual offences in general, and proof of such offences – with particular regard to gender and equality issues in statutory provisions and any anomalies or gaps

Rape crisis campaigners have long called for such a review.

National Development Worker Sandy Brindley said: “We are delighted at the recent announcement of the review of criminal law and sexual offences. This is something that we have been calling for for a number of years. There has long been very serious concern about whether or not women who have experienced sexual violence are able to access any form of justice within Scotland .

“Less than 6% of rapes recorded by the police lead to a conviction. Women whose cases reach court – and many don’t even get this far – describe the experience as being similar to being raped again. We need to see significant changes if women are to have confidence in our justice system.

“We will need to wait and see what concrete proposals come out of the review but we are hopeful that there will finally be a strategic look at the problems faced by survivors of sexual violence in accessing justice.”

The review was announced in the wake of concern about the impact of a recent appeal judgment, which acquitted convicted rapist John McKearney.

The Scottish Executive website report on the announcement is at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2004/06/SEJDptf.aspx

RAPE AT NEW RECORD HIGH

The number of rapes and attempted rapes in Scotland has risen to a new record high.

The latest figures show that the number rose by eight per cent in 2002 from 913 to 988, the highest total ever recorded.

The statistics were revealed on June 15, in the report Recorded Crime in Scotland, a Scottish Executive National Statistics publication.

The report said that the increase partially reflected proactive efforts by the police to encourage the reporting of rape and attempted rape.

Sandy Brindley, national development worker with Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “This is very worrying and follows on from a rise of 21% in the previous year. While it is possible that some is down to increased reporting, this is still a deeply disturbing statistic.

"If more women are reporting rape to the police, they need to have confidence in the legal system, which currently is not delivering justice to women. Scotland has an appallingly low conviction rate, with less than 6% of recorded rapes leading to a conviction.

“What has changed recently is that there is now a review by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service of the prosecution of rape and sexual offences. And earlier this month the First Minister announced a review of rape and sexual offences legislation. Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes these moves and hopes that they will bring about much needed improvements for women.”

Recorded Crime in Scotland 2003