Speaking up for victims of sexual assault and rape at Attorney General Questions – 25 Feb 2016 

Speaking up for victims of sexual assault and rape at Attorney General Questions 

On Thursday 25th February I questioned the Solicitor General Robert Buckland MP on the failings of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in delivering a adequate level of care for victims. In its latest thematic review of Rape and Serious Sexual Offence units, Her Majesty’s Chief Prosecution Service Inspectorate found that the care given to victims of rape and sexual assault fell well short of what was is expected. It is clear that the Government needs to do far more to reduce instances of rape and domestic violence, as well as doing more to support victims. 

The full exchange was: 

Jo Stevens MP: In the latest report on rape and serious sexual assault units, the CPS inspector found that the care given to victims of rape and sexual assault fell well short of what is expected. Is the Attorney concerned by Kevin McGinty’s findings in how in some areas the CPS have stopped early investigative advice to the police because resources are so overstretched? 

Robert Buckland: I am grateful to the Honourable lady and can I remind her that the report related to a particular period which is a 12-18months ago. Since then the CPS have taken huge strides in treating the numbers of prosecuted and improving the protocols and methods by which these cases are assessed and managed.    

You can watch the exchange here: https://youtu.be/kUStLRsI5d0