Victims of Rape

We prepared a report on rape which was launched in parliament, presented to the relevant minister and was sent by Soroptimists throughout the UK to their local MPs.

Direct questions were asked of the MPs and they were lobbied to support for changes in the law. We also researched available information on drug rape and gave support to the Sturmann report. This report emphasised the danger of drug rape in certain environments and the consequences.

How we made a difference: we received national press coverage for the report and a mention at the UN in New York for the excellent information (as an NGO, Soroptimist International has General Consultative Status). Many of our recommendations were included in the Sex Offences review and will hopefully help change the law, so that women will report rape without any fears of how they will be treated in court. Drug rape has become a serious issue and is mentioned as a separate item in the review.

We still press for: rape suites and specialist training for police officers dealing with rape victims. Rape victims to be treated as the victim and the perpetrator as the offender, as recommended in the review.