Police committed to reducing rape rates (From Gazette Series)

Police committed to reducing rape rates

GLOUCESTERSHIRE has the lowest rape conviction rate in England and Wales, according to alarming new figures published by a women's rights group.

The Fawcett Society found that just 0.86 percent of rape attacks reported in the county led to convictions in court, compared to a national average of 5.29 percent.

The figures, based on statistics from 2004, are pale in comparison Northamptonshire which has a conviction rate of 13.79 percent meaning women are ten times more likely to have their attackers prosecuted there than in Gloucestershire.

The discrepancies between police constabularies has led to claims that a "postcode lottery" operates throughout England and Wales.

MP Vera Baird QC, chairman of the Fawcett's commission on women and the criminal justice system, said: "It's unacceptable that a rape victim's chances of getting justice depends on where she lives.

"There is some good work being done in some areas of the country, while others are lagging behind.

"We need an integrated approach that gives women all over the country confidence in the system, delivers justice and prevents violence in the first place."

The commission ruled that there was an inconsistent approach to violence against women in Britain.

It has urged the government to set up sexual assault referral centres, domestic violence courts and rape crisis centres throughout the country.

But Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service have hit back - urging women not to be too alarmed by the figures.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire CPS said: "The figures quoted in the Fawcett report in no way reflect the position regarding the prosecution of sexual offences in Gloucestershire.

"Our convictions for sexual offences (including rape) in the last three months stand at 89 percent and we continue to work towards improving our performance."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "The force is committed to tackling rape and serious sexual assault and takes all reports seriously. We only use specially trained officers who provide a professional response to all reports of rape and serious sexual assault.

"We have male and female officers available 24 hours a day. They will obtain the victim's account and support the doctor during the forensic medical examination. The approach taken is victim orientated, working at the pace of the victim and ensuring that all information and evidence is obtained to support a prosecution."