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News | Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes a 40% increase in the number of people convicted for rape and attempted rape in Scotland

Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes a 40% increase in the number of people convicted for rape and attempted rape in Scotland

New figures release today show a 40% increase in the number of people convicted for rape and attempted rape in Scotland, as well as an increase in the proportion of cases taken forward that result in a conviction. Rape Crisis Scotland National Coordinator Sandy Brindley said:

‘Rape Crisis Scotland welcomes such a significant increase in the number of convictions for rape and attempted rape in Scotland.

Rape is a very serious crime and it is vital that people can have confidence in the justice system’s response. The proportion of rapes prosecuted that resulted in a conviction has also risen – from 40% to 46%. However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that a significant majority of rapes that are reported do not result in a conviction, or even make it to court. These latest figures show that there were 125 convictions for rape and attempted rape during 2014-15; however it is important to put this in perspective: there were also a total of 1901 reports of rape and attempted rape during the same year - 1797 of these were reports of rape. And while today’s figures are welcome, it is still the case that the by far the highest number of not guilty and not proven verdicts are to be found in cases of rape and attempted rape. There is no room for complacency, and much still remains to be done in terms of improving the justice response for rape survivors in Scotland.’

Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2014-15 can be accessed at http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0049/00494474.pdf

Sandy Brindley, Rape Crisis Scotland's National Coordinator, said:

"Many women tell us that they found the experience of giving evidence in their rape trial, particularly the cross examination, as traumatic as the rape itself.  While we accept that evidence needs to be tested, we think much more can be done to protect complainers and to secure best evidence.

"Frequently under the current system, complainers are giving evidence in a very stressful environment up to 12 or 18 months after the incident. This is not the way to get best evidence from someone. "

"The proposals in the review are extremely welcome and have the potential to transform the experience of children and vulnerable witnesses within our justice system.  We urge all political parties in Scotland to consider supporting these proposals."

You can read the report here: http://tiny.cc/45uj9x

For further information, please contact Sandy Brindley on 07764167501

 

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