§ 54. Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet received the recommendations from the Women's National Commission regarding under-reporting of rape; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe have received a copy of the report by the Women's National Commission on violence against women. We welcome the constructive approach which the report has adopted and are anxious to take effective action to reduce the risks to which women are exposed, and to ensure that victims are treated with proper consideration. The report's recommendations cover a wide range of issues, including the reporting of offences of rape. Changes in police practice in recent years, both as regards recording of reported offences and interviewing of victims, have been in the direction favoured by the report and we shall be considering the issues raised in the report with the police and the judiciary, to see what scope there may be for further action.