Survey reveals women’s fears over attacks

Full article

WOMEN think police do not take 
rape, domestic violence and stalking as seriously as they should, research reveals. Durham University carried out a study, funded by the Northern Rock Foundation, which found only about half of the 577 women questioned would definitely report domestic violence or stalking. Nearly 90 per cent would report rape by a stranger, but the figure dropped to 68 per cent for the far more common cases of rape by someone known to the victim. Durham University criminology lecturer Dr Nicole Westmarland said the women gave a number of reasons for not reporting incidents, including lack of trust in the police and the emotional strain of going through a prosecution. Dr Westmarland added: “We know the police have put additional effort into victim care and investigations, but this research shows too many women are still reluctant to take the first step of reporting the incident to the police.” Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, of Durham Constabulary, said progress has been made in treating victims more sensitively. He added: “The police are always looking to improve the service we provide to victims of sexual assault. “Significant improvements have been made in recent years by listening to the views of victims and experts in this field. “We will continue to put the victim at the heart of our response.” Vera Baird, QC, was among those present at the launch of the research paper at the university’s School of Applied Social Sciences in Old Elvet, Durham City. Former Redcar MP Ms Baird is the Labour candidate for the new post of Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police. “If elected I will make tackling violence against women and girls a priority,” she said. “Police forces in other areas of the country have brought in preventative measures to monitor and deter repeat perpetrators which we in Northumbria can adapt and improve. “I am committed to increase convictions and to drive down incidences of violence against women and children.” Elections for a police and crime commissioner for every police force in England and Wales will take place in November. Twitter: @sunderlandecho MP backs calls for anonymity AN MP has backed calls to grant defendants in rape trials anonymity. Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, said he is aware of cases where accused rapists have suffered as a result of false claims and believes they should be protected by the law.

You might also like: Jinnah's House Destroyed By Militants: Did Jinnah Fathom It Coming When He Created Pakistan? World's biggest Koran with 7ft-high pages is unveiled in Afghanistan Are Teenagers Abandoning Facebook? – Infographic