Government Report Apologises for Failing Rape Victims and Promises to Improve Falling Convictions Rates

The UK government has today (18th June 2021) published its “end-to-end” report on rape investigations and prosecutions after a 2 year wait.

The government has accepted and apologised for “failing” rape victims and senior ministers say they are “deeply ashamed” by the fall in case numbers in bringing sexual offenders to justice. The latest Home Office data shows 52,210 rapes were recorded in England and Wales in 2020, but only 843 resulted in a charge by the end of the year. The review promises to move away from a focus on the victim, and their state of mind at the time, and to adopt a more “suspect-centric” approach. The police and the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) have been tasked with working together to increase the number of rape case which make it to court.

Rape and sexual assault, is one of the most harmful crimes a person can experience affecting both physical and mental health.

If you, or someone you know, has suffered in this way, you may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This is a government funded scheme set up to help blameless victims of violent crime. To be able to claim for compensation the sexual assault must be reported to the police as a crime and you must fully cooperate with the police investigation, and any subsequent court case. This is a difficult requirement of the compensation scheme for many, so it is worth being aware right from the start of the claim process. If you make a claim for compensation, but then decide, not to go ahead with the police investigation, or the court case, the claim can be rejected by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Victims of rape and sexual assault often suffer more with mental health, than physical injuries. It is crucial for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme that their mental injuries are documented in a their medical records. Do not be reluctant to seek help from your doctor, or other health professionals. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will only make additional awards for mental injury in a sexual assault claim, if a person has a confirmed diagnosis or prognosis from a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Making a claim for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme can be a daunting process at a time when life is already difficult to deal with. The claims needs to be made within 2 years of the crime being reported to the police. You do not need to wait until after the trial, and in some cases, this could take you passed the 2 year time limit.

Winston Solicitors have a significant amount of experience and expertise in making claims for victims of rape and sexual assault and are able to advise on how and when it is best to submit your claim. You can contact us by calling 0113 320 5000 or emailing cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk .