§ Dame Jill KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken since 1987 to tackle the crime of rape.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Government continue to attach a high priority to action against rape, including the detection and punishment of offenders; the provision of help and support to victims; and the development of prevention policies.
The enhanced police response to rape allegations is reflected in the increases in the recorded crime statistics. Victims of rape have been encouraged to come forward. Changes in police practice have meant that a higher proportion of rape allegations have been recorded as crimes. A high percentage of recorded rapes are cleared up by the police (71 per cent. in 1987 and 74 per cent. in 1989) and the police now have their disposal improved detection methods such as DNA fingerprinting with which to provide the courts with evidence of guilt. The maximum penalty for attempted rape was increased to life imprisonment in 1985. In 1986 the Court of Appeal gave guidance on sentencing in rape cases in R v Billam. Since 1987, over 70 per cent. of convicted rapists have received sentences of five years or more.
In line with Home Office guidance issued in October 1986, the police are increasingly alert to the special needs of rape victims. Rape examination suites have been set up where distressed victims can be examined in comforting surroundings and by a woman doctor wherever possible; interviews with victims are usually also conducted by women police officers. The aim is to treat victims sensitively and to provide them with full information about medical, support and counselling services after their ordeal.
Anonymity for rape victims was strengthened in the Criminal Justice Act 1988. It is now an offence to publish or broadcast the name or address or a still or moving picture of a woman after an allegation has been made that she has been the victim of a rape offence, if that is likely to lead members of the public to identify her as the alleged victim. The prohibition applies during the whole of the woman's lifetime, unless the courts make a specific direction to the contrary, and it applies whether proceedings follow or not; if they do, it applies in relation to civil as well as criminal proceedings.
The Home Office is providing £4.5 million this year towards the cost of local victim support schemes. These now cover over 94 per cent. of the population of England 471W and Wales and are helping increasing numbers of victims of serious crime, including rape victims. Improved understanding of the nature of crimes is desirable as a basis for developing prevention policies. In February 1989, we published two important research studies about rape, "Changes in rape offences and sentences" (Home Office Research Study 105) and "Concerns about rape" (Home Office Research Study 106). Among other findings, the studies suggest that women are more likely to be raped by someone they know than by a stranger, and that more rapes take place indoors than in public places. The reports are in the Library.
The latest edition of our crime prevention handbook "Practical Ways to Crack Crime" encourages women to take common-sense precautions to reduce the risk of attack.
Arrangements for the treatment of sex offenders in prison custody and their treatment and supervision in the community are being reviewed by a prison service working party and by Her Majesty's inspectorate of probation. This work should contribute to the development of improved provision for the treatment of offenders, so that they are less likely to re-offend.