Mayor of West Yorkshire responds to national inspection

Responding to the HMICFRS and HMCPSI joint inspection of the investigation and prosecution of rape, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“This latest report from HMICFRS and HMCPSI examining the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) response to rape nationally is grim reading and yet another indicator of the urgent need for change.

“With only a small percentage of cases resulting in a charge, compared to the actual number of offences, we surely have to look again at the processes in place across our criminal justice system.

“The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have a critical role to play in getting this right for victims and understanding the associated trauma.

“Although I recognise that there are many contributing factors, it cannot detract from the fact that the current system is failing rape victims to an alarming extent.

“It is why I have placed the safety or women and girls at the centre of my first Police and Crime Plan, as I pledged in my manifesto as Mayor.

“Here in West Yorkshire, we have a state-of-the-art Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which I have personally visited. I want everyone to be aware of its existence and what it can offer to victims and survivors through its fantastic facilities and staff.

“As I look to launch my Police and Crime Plan in the coming weeks, I will be focusing on the victim’s journey in West Yorkshire, working with the CPS, Police, Courts and other partners to ensure we are collectively delivering a joined up and effective service.”