"We should be building on the pre-existing anti rape grassroots movement, not ignoring the very real problems that are allowing thousands of (mainly) women, girls and boys to be raped and abused every year while their attackers never see the inside of a courtroom." Totally agree
"when the public and juries see that rape is taken seriously by those prosecuting it, maybe attitudes will change." Again very much agree.
But as I said, prevention has got to be better than dealing with the aftermath by which point lives are ruined? That's why all children - boys and girls - need to be properly taught enthusiastic & true consent, respect for all, and not to be buying into misogynistic nonsense about dress, flirtatious behaviour, promiscuity etc = "she was asking for it"
Parents of boys (and I know there's at least 2 posters on this thread have bucked this trend) often come on these threads to complain about "all boys and men being painted as rapists" and blaming victims of sexual assault for this!
When the real blame lies primarily with the perpetrators and to a lesser but important extent the authorities & wider society who perpetuate the myth that the fault for rape happening lies with victims!
This does not occur in the same way or to the same extent with other crimes (with the possible exception of murder within the context of dv including "rough sex gone wrong" bollocks) and it very rarely applies to crimes committed against men and boys outwith those with a sexual element.
Sundowners it's utterly disgusting that after knowing the evidence they're still supporting him. I can understand - to a degree - not wanting to believe such a thing of a friend/colleague, I don't understand knowing that evidence and still thinking he's remotely a stand up guy.
Lizzie48 jaseyraex 
and other victims I'm so sorry you've been through this.
I agree the processes for reporting and recording & presenting evidence from victims does need to be overhauled. There are several ways in which it could be made less stressful/easier which we seem very slow/reluctant to implement/use here in the uk.
"I think that's because so many of us have been raped and assaulted and don't want to face up to it" that's one reason. Another reason is because we know how hard it is to get a prosecution let alone a conviction. I discussed with police my own case and basically they said as it was historical and It was literally just my word against his that it would be unlikely to reach even prosecution stage. It's also difficult when the perpetrator is a family member and even other family members don't believe you! So why would someone who doesn't know you? I'm fortunate I have some family members who do believe me but there's a lot of pressure not to "cause trouble" and "break up the family", plus our feelings for the perpetrator can be very complex too.
DorsetDays ok thanks for the link. I'd be interested to know why victims did not support action. I have a horrible feeling it's most likely because they feel unsupported themselves, plus also issues like feeling like the investigations and prosecution are being handled incompetently and as victims are increasingly feeling like they're being treated like perpetrators rather than victims - something that article alludes to
"victims are dropping complaints after being asked to give police their mobile phones for examination, or allow blanket access to health records and other personal information."
Victims lives in terms of information unrelated to the rape reported are being pulled apart and used against them.
"Sarah* said she was told that if she refused, the case could not go ahead. “It made me very angry, it made me feel like I was the one on trial and they were trying to seek out ways it was my fault,” she added." This is unacceptable
Glad to see that how such cases are handled will be reviewed not sure how confident I feel that this will be done thoroughly or appropriately.