Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 February 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 8 February 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Rape Convictions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve the proportion of successful rape convictions in Chorley.

Answer: In order to improve performance on the investigation and prosecution of rape, we have made a range of changes including introducing specially trained officers and specialist rape prosecutors to build better cases; overhauling out-dated laws on sexual offences and the use of evidence; and creating special measures to make it easier for victims of rape to give evidence. Last year we consulted on additional measures aimed at improving rape prosecutions, and hope to publish the conclusions of the consultation shortly. We have recently visited all police forces, including Lancashire, to discuss their strategies for investigating rape and will continue to work with them to ensure improvements continue to be made.The Government are also committed to reducing victim withdrawals by supporting victims through the criminal justice process. As part of a national project, we have funded two Independent Sexual Violence Advisors within Lancashire to provide advocacy and support to victims of sexual violence in the region.Victims in Chorley can also access the SAFE Centre, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre where victims of sexual assault receive medical care and counselling, and have the opportunity to assist the police investigation through undergoing a forensic examination.

Secondary information