Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Deferred
Paragraph: 58
Mandate Government to specify operational partner accountability for increasing rape prosecution volumes
Recommendation
We recommend that if the progress updates demonstrate that the review is not having its intended impact, the Government react quickly and effectively, putting in place alternative actions. In its next progress update, the Government must set out exactly how operational partners will be held to account if there continues to be no significant rise in rape prosecution volumes. We agree with HMICFRS and HMCPSI that the National Criminal Justice Board should review the existing statutory governance arrangements for rape and instigate swift reform. We also recommend that the lead Minister for the Rape Review write to the Committee every six months, so that progress updates can be adequately interrogated.
Government Response Summary
The government recognised potential benefits of a dedicated commissioner for victims of sexual violence and abuse and is considering this, with an update promised in due course, but did not address the committee's specific recommendations on reacting to lack of progress, holding operational partners accountable, NCJB reform, or ministerial updates.
Paragraph Reference:
58
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We recognise that there may be benefits to introducing a dedicated commissioner for victims of sexual violence and abuse or expanding the role of an existing commissioner to formally cover this important function. In HMICFRS’s and HMCPSI’s second phase inspection report on the police’s and CPS’s response to rape, the Inspectorates considered that a commissioner with functions specific to sexual violence could: • act as an independent voice to speak on behalf of victims and survivors and • hold organisations and the Government to account in tackling rape and sexual offences. The Inspectorates tested with stakeholders two approaches for delivering this recommendation, which were the establishment of a new commissioner for sexual offences and the expansion of the remit of an existing commissioner such as the Victims’ Commissioner or Domestic Abuse Commissioner. The proposals were met with differing views from stakeholders, with some expressing a concern that an additional commissioner may further fragment the oversight of the criminal justice system’s response to violence against women and girls, sexual violence and domestic abuse. The Home Office and the Ministry of Justice are working closely together to consider this recommendation and we will update the Committee on progress in due course. Police response to rape