RAPE MYTHS MUST BE TACKLED - HOWARTH

12.06.00pm GMT Wed 28th Nov 2007

David Howarth MP

NEWS RELEASE

Responding to Government proposals to provide all juries with information packs on rape myths in an attempt to increase the conviction rate, Liberal Democrat Shadow Solicitor General, David Howarth MP said:

"The problem of rape myths in trials is a very serious one, which affects not only cases in court but the decision whether to drop cases before they even reach trial.

"The Government must ensure that all options remain open, including allowing expert evidence to be heard in court about some of the preconceptions that surround rape victims.

"Not only should ministers seek to address the low conviction rate but also to ensure that the CPS and the police do a better job of building cases so that fewer end up being dropped at an earlier stage."

ENDS

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