MP Rachel Reeves writes to Justice Secretary over 'shocking' rape prosecution rates

Prosecution rates for rape victims in West Yorkshire are below five per cent, recent figures revealed

Labour MP Rachel Reeves wrote to the Rt. Hon Robert Buckland QC today (Wednesday), asking for more support to be made available for victims in order to encourage others "to step forward".

Ms Reeves, MP for Leeds West, quoted statistics for West Yorkshire revealed by the Yorkshire Evening Post last month, where the police force received a 25 per cent increase in reports of rape last last year.

However, a Freedom of Information request recently revealed on 4.4 per cent of rape allegations reported had resulted in a charge.

Further to that, Rape Crisis England & Wales estimates that only between 15 and 20 per cent of rape victims report their attack.

Ms Reeves wrote: "These statistics are shocking and indicate a dramatic deterioration in the past few years.

"Home Office data shows that in 2018-2019 just 1.5 per cent of cases led to a charge or summons; down from 14 per cent of 2015-16.

"With statistics like this, we must ask ourselves what kind of message this sends to victims regarding whether they should go through the arduous process of going to trial."

The letter goes on to say 13 per cent of rape victims attempt suicide, and 30 per cent suffer symptoms of PTSD within nine months of the attack.

Ms Reeves raised concerns with the Justice Secretary about a recent review into the complaints' process for rape victims, claiming that the investigation failed to speak to any victims.

She added: "The Government must act to better support victims of rape, prosecute far more perpetrators and fight to create a culture where no victim blames themselves, and no rapist believes they can get away with it.

"Instead, we must cultivate a culture that encourages victims to step forward and listens to what they do."

The Government has said an extra 20,000 police officers are to be recruited over the next three years, with an £85m boost recently announced for the Crown Prosecution Service.

Minister Chris Philp told the House of Commons last month how an extra £5m was being spent on support services for rape victims, including counselling.