Prosecutors in rape cases, where the victim has learning difficulties, are not always aware of how to handle the issues involved, according to a new report.
Prosecutors may face difficulties in approaching the question of the victim’s abilities, the report by the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate says.
The report also refers to a case where a an expert was asked to ascertain whether or not two victims were capable of giving consent and/or exercising judgement, their level of capabilities and whether they could give reliable evidence. The case was dropped as a result of the expert’s report.
"This case demonstrates the difficulty that can be encountered when trying to review cases where the victim has learning difficulties," the report says.
Richard Kramer, head of campaigns at learning difficulty charity Mencap, commenting on the report, which showed just 7.25 per cent of rape cases are successfully convicted, said: "Sex abuse of adults with a learning disability is four times higher than the rest of the population. Only 6 per cent of the 1,400 reported cases a year get to court."
Only one in 284 suspected cases resulted in conviction, according to Mencap’s past research, he added.
The report is available from 020 7210 1197.
LGA issues child protection warning about obese children
Conduct: Jacinta Hofstetter says GSCC has pro-employer bias
Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
