Fewer than 10 people were convicted of rape in Cumbria last year as hundreds of new offences were recorded by police, new figures show, suggesting victims are rarely seeing justice done.
The Government announced a new pilot court scheme last week in a bid to increase low prosecution and conviction rates across England and Wales.
The initiative means prosecutors, police officers and other staff at pilot courts in Newcastle, Leeds and Snaresbrook in London will receive specialist trauma training, with any conclusions learned rolled out across the country to increase the volume and speed of rape cases going through the system.
Ministry of Justice figures show 16 rape cases were heard in court in 2021 following investigations by Cumbria Constabulary, with seven resulting in convictions – up from six in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.
But separate Home Office data says 471 alleged rapes were recorded by the force last year.
Across England and Wales, there were 895 rape convictions – compared to 67,125 new cases.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the pilot courts, which are due to be operational in October, will focus on improving support for victims, tackling the backlog and reducing delays.
“We’re also rolling out pre-recorded evidence faster, recruiting 1,000 sexual violence advisors, developing a 24/7 helpline and improving collaboration between police and prosecutors to ensure victims get the justice they deserve,” added Mr Raab.
Jayne Butler, chief executive of Rape Crisis, said enough is not known about how the specialist courts will work and insisted a proper consultation with specialist sexual violence support services was needed.
Ms Butler also highlighted how low prosecution rates have effectively decriminalised rape and discouraged victims from coming forward and reporting crimes.
In Cumbria, just 0.9 per cent of the 349 rape investigations concluded by police last year led to a charge or summons.
Some 19 per cent of cases were dropped due to evidential difficulties, despite the support of the victim and the suspect being identified, while a further 66 per cent were dropped because the victim did not support further action.
No suspect was identified in seven per cent of cases.
Across England and Wales, just two per cent of 42,203 concluded investigations led to a prosecution.
Ms Butler said: “The vast majority of victims and survivors seeking criminal justice are being hugely let down by the system.”
