Rise in charges after South West trial looks at how victims of sexual offences are treated by courts

A two year trial, here in the South West, into the way the most serious sexual offences are investigated has led to 300-per cent rise in referrals for charging.

From today the changes - which include victims getting new dedicated support officers from the Crown Prosecution Service - are being rolled out nationally.

The End Violence Against Women Coalition have welcomed the progress, but say more needs to be done.

Vicky Gleave, Head of the CPS South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “The South West pilot of Operation Soteria demonstrated how new ways of working and closer partnerships between CPS and police can help build stronger cases and deliver better outcomes for the victims of rape.

“Increased use of early-investigative advice means that the CPS and police are working closely together from the earliest stage of an investigation. This can help build cases faster, ensure that investigations focus on the behaviour of the suspect and not the victim, and limit the requests that police need to make for personal data from victims.

“The introduction of a dedicated victim liaison officer in every rape team across the country means that victims have a single point of contact within the CPS, improving communications and the experience of victims during what is obviously an extremely stressful time.

“I hope these changes, and others being introduced in the new model, can be a reassurance to victims who might be considering coming forward to report an offence.

“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in the South West and it’s great to see these improvements being rolled out across the country today. We recognise, however, that there is still so much more to do. We are committed to keep on working with our partners in the criminal justice system to improve the way we work and ensure that victims get the justice they deserve.”

The new National Operating Model, which is being launched in England and Wales by the CPS and police, aims to drive 'cultural and operational change right across the criminal justice system by setting an improved and standardised approach for how adult rape cases are handled'.

The model builds on the work of Operation Soteria, a project piloted in a number of CPS areas and police forces, including CPS South West and three South West police forces: Avon & Somerset Police, Devon & Cornwall Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Changes include

• The provision of early advice to the police by the CPS within 21 days;

• Dedicated victim liaison officers within the CPS to provide a single point of contact for victims, reducing the potential for delayed communication and helping to improve the experience of victims;

• Increased scrutiny of CPS and police decision-making;

• Further engagement with Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs);

• Bespoke training on suspect-centred approaches.

But Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), said: "While we have seen some progress, the Government have been too quick to claim that they've tangibly changed the justice system for rape survivors.

"We're barely off the starting blocks, but we now have a roadmap which is going to need a lot of support to realise its ambitions.

"It still remains the case that the vast majority of rape survivors don't report to the police, and the majority who do will leave the system altogether due to the barriers to justice they find themselves up against."

Ms Simon added: "Ultimately, given that the majority of survivors do not report to the police, we need to make sure action to address sexual violence looks beyond the criminal justice system and prioritises prevention work with young people in schools and through wider public information campaigns."

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Alex Chalk KC said: "Rape and sexual violence are horrific crimes that can impact victims for the rest of their lives. That's why we launched an action plan in the 2021 Rape Review to drive up prosecutions.

"We've made significant progress, hitting two of our Rape Review ambitions ahead of schedule, and there are more rape cases before the courts today than in 2010.

"Now we are going further, extending our action plan with more support for victims, encouraging survivors to come forward and see justice done."

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "As a society, too often we have failed the victims of sexual violence.

"I have been clear that we must transform the way these investigations are handled, to make sure that all victims have the best support possible throughout the entire process.

"This is a vital step in delivering on that promise.

"It will help ensure investigations focus on the suspect, and never on seeking to undermine the account of the victim, as well as placing the utmost importance on their rights and needs."

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