Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today called on the Government to send out the clearest possible message to victims of sexual violence that they will be given the support they deserve if they go to the police.
Speaking in the chamber, Caroline said, "Horrifyingly 1 in 5 women will experience sexual violence over the course of their lives; yet only fifteen percent of the victims of the most serious sexual offences report those crimes to the police.
Does the Minister agree with me that if more victims are to come forward the police up and down the country need to send out a robust message that these crimes will be taken very seriously?"
Responding, the Minister said, "I completely agree with the comments of my honourable friend; victims must have confidence when they come forward, and the confidence in the force and in the police officers that are dealing with their complaint."
Commenting outside the chamber, Caroline said,
"Almost half a million women are sexual assaulted each year in England and Wales; with sexual violence affecting the lives of millions of women and men across the country. Unfortunately far too few people feel able to go to the police. We need to send out the message loud and clear that the police are there to support you, and if you wish to take legal action they will do everything in their power to help you get justice.
If you feel that you have been a victim of sexual violence the best thing to do first is to go along to your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre; there they can store results until you make up your mind whether you wish to report to the police or not."
