This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Prosecuting rape and sexual offences
21/02/2005
Elish Angiolini QC, Solicitor General for Scotland, and
Harriet Harman QC, Solicitor General for England and Wales,
met today in Edinburgh along with top prosecutors from
across the UK to discuss the challenges involved in
investigating and prosecuting rape and sexual offences.
The event, the first of its kind in the UK, aims
to ensure best practice in the investigation and
prosecution of rape and other sexual offences.
Ms Angiolini said:
"I am delighted to welcome Harriet Harman to Edinburgh
for this important event. As Solicitor General for our
respective jurisdictions, we share a common commitment - to
continually improve the standards of investigation and
prosecution, as well as the victims' experience of the
prosecution service.
"Victims of rape and sexual offences in particular need
to have confidence not only that their cases will be
handled efficiently and effectively, in the public
interest, but also that they will be treated with respect
and dignity at every point in the process.
"This is the first event of its kind; but it won't be
the last. We have agreed to establish a forum involving
prosecutors from Scotland, England and Wales, with the
clear aim of improving the experience of victims across
both jurisdictions, and learning from best practice across
the UK in the investigation and prosecution of cases
involving rape or other sexual offences."
Ms Harman said:
"Whether committed by a stranger or a friend, work
colleague or partner, rape is a callous, brutal attack
which leaves the victim - and very often those around the
victim such as family and friends - profoundly affected.
Victims are entitled to say no.
"Yet although the number of rapes reported to the police
has increased dramatically over the years, it is clear that
very many rape victims still don't go to the police or, if
they do, find themselves unable to go through with the
court proceedings in which they will usually be the most
important and essential witness.
"Rape is still less likely to be reported, less likely
to result in a charge, and less likely to be prosecuted
than other serious crimes.
"That's why our discussions today are so important. We
are in different jurisdictions, but we have the same
commitment to take rape allegations seriously and encourage
victims to come forward and get the support they need.
"By sharing our information and experience, learning
from each other, we can continue to improve our response
and ensure we meet victims' needs."
Today's event took place in the context of the
wide-ranging review of the approach of Scottish prosecutors
to rape and sexual offences, being led by the Solicitor
General for Scotland.