Rape non-prosecutions Dame Vera Baird

[lionheart]

www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/14/we-are-facing-the-decriminalisation-of-warns-victims-commissioner

'479
Rape has effectively been decriminalised as a result of a collapse in prosecutions that has allowed many offenders to escape justice, according to the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales.

In her first annual report since taking up the role, Dame Vera Baird QC says there has been a “catastrophic” decline in rape prosecutions, with no measures put in place to reverse it.'

I saw this this morning and thought it was shocking but not surprising.

I imagine the shift to demanding victims’ phone records has had a big impact, but the article seems to suggest that the really catastrophic decline in prosecutions pre-dates the horrendous phone thing.

At least Vera Baird seems extremely sensible and is pushing in the right direction.

Sadly this isn't new information. The Centre For Women's Justice sought to have the CPS policy judicially reviewed, but weren't successful.

Women's rights are increasingly rolled back across all areas. While we're deluged with rape and death threats, and accused of being hateful bigots and man-haters, if we protest. What was it that Rowling said? Woman-hate is always with us, or words to that effect.

Yes I saw this. Very depressing.

Is the number of convictions for rape also going down, or is the decline just in number of prosecutions?

Not to mention 'it's going to happen anyway' so just be kind.

One reason why the whole 'hate crime' thing has taken off - a lot faster and easier to 'investigate' and 'prosecute'. Box ticked, targets met, stats collated...

And that Is just 1% of those who go to the police. It is going to be more who didn’t go. I didn’t and I honestly think who would.

I do like Vera Baird.

I find this quite terrifying. If a mature western democracy just throws up its hands in the face of male violence against women what does that mean globally.