Following the End to End rape review published 2 years ago, significant work is underway to ensure rape victims are better supported. Monday 10 July, a progress report was released showing the government having already met 2-3 key ambitions in the Rape Review – delivered ahead of schedule.
This announcement comes ahead of all 43 police forces across England and Wales, and all rape prosecutors cross the country, implementing a new approach to handling rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO), ensuring investigations are thorough, putting the suspect at the centre and the needs of the victim first.
Make sure you check out techUK’s Impact Days where we explored tech’s role in tackling VAWG and RASSO. Collating thinking from our members, policymakers, Policing and technical specialists within the CJS.
Operation Soteria
Piloted in 19 police forces and 9 Crown Prosecution Areas already, the programme brings together police forces with academics, using evidence and new insight to enable forces and prosecutors to transform their response to rape and serious sexual offences. Already, we are seeing signs of improvements across forces and CPS areas with all five pathfinder forces having seen an increase in the number of cases being referred to the CPS.
Further improving the response to rape, 2,000 extra police investigators will be specially trained in RASSO by April 2024. It will also be compulsory for new recruits to undertake RASSO training, which will include all existing first responders.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk KC, said:
“Rape and sexual violence are horrific crimes that can impact victims for the rest of their lives. That’s why we launched an