News
A letter to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
We write to express our significant concern with respect to your letter
dated 8th of March outlining the shift in approach of the Crown Office
in dealing with reluctant complainers in rape cases, effective from
today, and ask that you urgently reconsider this change to policy.
We share the knowledge that rape is an awful crime that can leave a
lasting and profound impact on those who experience this violence. It is
no secret that the concept of justice is one that is frequently far
removed from the reality of survivors of sexual violence in Scotland
today. I know you are also aware of the many barriers that stand in the
way for those who pursue justice and even though considerable work has
been done to address and remove these obstacles there remains a stubborn
gap between those who experience sexual violence and their ability to
access justice and we are clear that there is much more to do.
Conviction rate for rape and attempted rape falls to lowest level since 2008/09
New figures published today by the Scottish Government show that the level of convictions in Scotland for rape and attempted rape has fallen for the second year in a row, with only 39% of cases prosecuted leading to a conviction.
Civil justice option for survivors
Highlighted in the media today is a forthcoming landmark civil
case brought
by a woman from St Andrews following a not proven verdict in
the case against the man accused of raping her.
Following the successful civil case for damages pursued last year by Denise Clair against David Goodwillie and David Robertson, Rape Crisis Scotland has seen increasing numbers of survivors in touch with us who say they are considering civil action as an option for them following the absence of any criminal prosecution, or one that has resulted in a not guilty or not proven verdict.
Making an Impact
Rape Crisis Scotland’s
Annual Report for 2016-17 has just been published.
Want to find out how our work made an impact last year?
· How many people were in touch with our helpline?
· What has been happening in local centres?
· How has our Prevention programme engaged with young people?
· How have we been working to make positive changes for survivors?
· What’s been happening at the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre?
You can find these answers and a great deal more at:
https://issuu.com/rapecrisisscotland/docs/making_an_impact-highresfinal
or download Making An Impact as a pdf.New forensic standards for survivors of sexual violence launched today
£2.25
million to implement new forensic medical examination standards.
Services for people who have experienced rape or sexual assault are to be improved.
The
first national standards for forensic medical examinations will be backed by
£2.25 million funding to help NHS Boards implement them, ensuring a consistent
service across Scotland.
Published
by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), the standards will ensure that victims –
regardless of age, personal circumstances or geographical location – will
experience a level of care to a high standard that aims to reduce the
likelihood of further trauma.
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