MP's pledge over shock rise in rape and sexual assault numbers - The Redditch Standard

MP's pledge over shock rise in rape and sexual assault numbers

Redditch Editorial 17th Sep, 2015 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

LOCAL MP Karen Lumley has raised the issue of the rising number of rape cases in the county with Home Secretary Theresa May.

It follows the publication of shock figures in July revealing that West Mercia Police reported nearly 700 rape cases in Worcestershire compared to under 400 last year.

Redditch’s MP promised to take the matter up at the highest level and last week she had a reply from Karen Bradley MP the Parliamentary under secretary of state who said: “We have made protecting women and girls from violence and supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence a key priority.

“We want victims to have the confidence to report these crimes knowing they will get the support they need and that everything will be done to bring offenders to justice.




“These are also under-reported crimes, and the Office for National Statistics report that recent increases in police recorded crime are likely to be due to improved recording by the police and an increase in the willingness of victims to come forward. The number of prosecutions and convictions for rape are at their highest ever levels.”

She added that the Rape Action Plan, which is being led by the Crown Prosecution Service, was helping to ensure that every report of rape was treated seriously and that every victim is given the help they deserve.


Mrs Lumley said: “I am pleased the Home Office is taking this terrible crime seriously and will I continue to monitor the situation locally.”

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