reporting procedures

Isn't rape the easiest charge to bring and the most difficult to prove?

This is actually a misquoting of the myth. It is worse than that. The myth is that 'Rape is the easiest accusation to make and the most difficult to disprove.'

Actually, men find it quite easy to disprove rape under our justice system. Our conviction rate is low and hovers around 6%. Despite this, women continue to seek justice. Rape crisis supports women whatever their decision.

What if it just the woman's word against the man's?

We know such cases are more difficult but perhaps the CPS should provide trained special prosecutors for such cases who can deal with the myths about rape that the defence inevitably run.

How is the woman kept informed of the progression of the case?

There should be one person who keeps in touch with the complainant about progress of the case. Currently the police keep in touch with her up to the point when the man is charged and then often she hears nothing more.

Does Rape Crisis comment on individual cases?

No. It is often impossible to comment on ongoing individual cases. This is because we often have little knowledge about the case, often only that which has been reported by the media. However, historic cases such as Owen Oyston and the DJ Rapist can be useful cases for discussion. What we can do is comment on how the case adds to the existing knowledge about rape.

Is there a trend in the increase in reporting?

The problem about rape in this country is that less than 6% of women who report rape to the police see their attacker convicted of rape. It used to be over 25% and it is falling. This is the issue that must be addressed in this country - perhaps by special prosecutors, as in some states in America.