An initiative which has helped rape victims across the North East is now being rolled out across the country.
From Monday, rape prosecutors across the country and 43 police forces in England and Wales, will implement a new approach to dealing with rape and other serious sexual offences.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a new operating model which will set a minimum baseline for how adult rape cases are prosecuted.
Part of the model will commit to creating better lines of communications between prosecutors and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) - specially trained workers who directly support victims of rape.
CPS North East is one of nine pilot areas where the approach was pioneered. It was found to have improved communications between prosecutors and victims of rape.
Gale Gilchrist, of CPS North East, said: "As a pilot area for Operation Soteria, we established a strong regional forum that brings together ISVAs, prosecutors and police from across the region. This forum has proven particularly effective at identifying ways in which we can provide better support to victims.
"An early suggestion from the forum was the introduction of a dedicated digital mailbox for ISVAs. This enables CPS prosecutors to swiftly answer queries from ISVAs about the progression of cases through the courts, which in turn allows ISVAs to keep victims informed about their case.
"The feedback about these improved channels of communication has been very positive and we are pleased to see this being rolled out further.
"In line with other commitments in the national operating model, CPS North East has already been providing early investigative advice in an increasing number of cases, an approach which has been shown to deliver better case outcomes for more victims."
Operation Soteria has been piloted in 19 police forces and nine Crown Prosecution Areas. The programme uses evidence and new insight to enable forces and prosecutors to transform their response to rape and serious sexual offences.
All five pathfinder forces have seen an increase in the number of cases being referred to the CPS. The numbers have more than doubled in Durham and the West Midlands.
The national operating model will build on the work of Operation Soteria and the Joint National Action Plan.
It includes a number of key commitments, which include:
- Prosecutors providing early advice to police within 21 days
- The offer of an in-person or online discussion to help build stronger cases earlier so they pass swiftly through the justice system
Max Hill KC, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: "Today is a milestone for the CPS in our journey to transform the way rape cases are prosecuted.
"During my time as DPP, my main focus has always been on the victims of these abhorrent crimes; not only in ensuring we deliver justice for as many victims as possible, but also in supporting them as their case progresses through the criminal justice system.
"We know we still have a long way to go to drive lasting change, listening to partners as we go, but I am glad to see the work we have been doing through genuine partnership with police colleagues is bearing fruit with the increase in rape referrals and charges."
