Report claims support for rape victims continues to be inadequate

Support for victims of rape continues to be inadequate, according to equality campaigners, the Fawcett Society, following yesterday's controversial figures from the Home Office which state that rape cases have risen by 27% during the past year.

Releasing a report which claims to expose the "inconsistency" of rape services across the UK, the Fawcett Society has issued a call for an increased provision of support for victims of rape. Particular recommendations were made for the creation of a 24-hour national helpline for those affected, as well as a greater number of specialist centres where women could receive treatment and advice. Currently there are seven such centres in England – but none in Scotland.

It is thought that the rise in incidences of rape in Home Office statistics can partly be attributed to a new method of classifying incidents – known as the National Crime Recording Standard – which sees the definition of a crime linked to how the victim reports it, as opposed to categorisations decided by police.

(CL)