PFCC supports Government’s plans to better support rape victims

Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has today welcomed the Government’s plans for sweeping reforms to increase the number of convictions for rape and improve support for victims.

He said: “The number of rapes and sexual assaults that lead to a successful conviction is woefully low in Essex and this needs to change. I want victims to feel confident to report crime and we need to support them through the criminal justice system. Alongside this, I want to see stronger investigations being undertaken that then lead to more successful prosecutions.

“In Essex we have a dedicated strategic sexual abuse partnership which has a clear focus to have an effective criminal justice response for victims of sexual abuse. This means victims feel more confident about the criminal proceedings process and perpetrators are brought to justice. The partnership will be reviewing this action plan but have already made steps to improve the criminal justice journey, working with Essex Police, Synergy Essex, which delivers rape crisis support, and the Crown Prosecution Service.”

Roger, who is also chair of the Essex Criminal Justice Board, added: “We must not forget, however, that in Essex, unlike other parts of the country, we have a consistent, countywide service to support victims and I want to thank everyone in those services who provide advocacy, community support and counselling. Last month we were also awarded £500,000 from the Ministry of Justice’s Victim’s Grant which we are using to fund more Independent Sexual Abuse Advisors and we’ve been told this money will be granted again next year.”

If you need help or support, go to https://synergyessex.org.uk/