Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Deferred
Paragraph: 117
Government ambition for rape victims' mobile phones lacks a comprehensive, costed implementation plan.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s ambition to ensure no victim of rape will be without a mobile phone for more than 24 hours by 2024, and the extra funding to support certain police forces to analyse digital evidence effectively. However, this commitment should be comprehensively backed by a costed plan to ensure that all police forces have the necessary equipment and skills to implement the policy by 2024.
Government Response Summary
The government mentioned ongoing consultations by the Ministry of Justice and Home Office regarding legal support for victims and police requests for third-party material, but did not commit to a costed plan for police forces to implement the 24-hour mobile phone return policy.
Paragraph Reference:
117
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Ministry of Justice’s legal support consultation explored options to enhance rape victims’ access to legal support or advice relating to all police or prosecutor requests for personal information. We aim to ensure victims of rape or serious sexual assault understand and are empowered to challenge any requests for personal information. In addition to the work being done by the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office at the end of May launched a consultation exploring police requests for third party material, which can sometimes be unnecessary and disproportionate and cause distress to victims. The consultation aims to explore these issues as well as certain proposed solutions.