WLD's rape campaign a success at Conference

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Sep 2006

The Federal Conference today approved WLD's policy motion to tackle Britain's poor record of securing justice for rape victims.

The conviction rate in Britain currently stands at around 5% - lower than anywhere else in Europe, the United States, Canada or Australia - and the number of rapists given a caution and freed in the last decade has almost doubled. WLD proposed a range of measures as part of the campaign launched in our last newsletter, which were accepted almost unanimously by Conference delegates.

Measures approved by conference today include specially trained prosecutors, more Sexual Assault Referral Centres, the reinstatement of a national Rape Helpline, and opposing the Sentencing Guideline Council's proposals to allow rapists who show remorse to avoid jail. The motion also seeks to challenge the social myths surrounding rape, and make it easier for both men and women to confront the issue.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Clegg MP said.

"For all of its tough talk on crime, the Government's record on rape convictions has been shameful.

"At the same time as the number of reported rapes is increasing, conviction levels are actually going down.

"These measures will mean that the victims of rape can be much more confident that their attackers will be caught and brought to justice."

If you would like to get involved in the campaign, please contact the office for a campaign pack, or alternatively download one from this website.