Rape: Criminal Prosecutions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice
Tuesday 28th June 2022

(2 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

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Victoria Atkins Portrait Victoria Atkins
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There are many ways in which we can support victims. One is through specialist support such as ISVAs and the victims charities that do such a vital job of working with women and victims of sexual violence. Another thing that we are in the process of setting up is a 24/7 support line for victims of sexual violence, and I am extremely grateful to Rape Crisis for its help on this. We are testing it carefully over the next couple of months to ensure that we understand when peaks and flows will necessitate proper staffing, but we are absolutely committed to providing those services so that victims can get the help they need when they need it.

Lord Cryer Portrait John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)
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On the basis of what the Minister said earlier, will the number of rape prosecutions be doubled by the end of this Parliament?

Victoria Atkins Portrait Victoria Atkins
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We have measured it very carefully and we have committed to doubling the number of cases received in the Crown court by the end of this Parliament. This is a work in progress.