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Victims of rape ‘catastrophically failed by system’
Report highlights prosecution failures: Campaigners call for action

A DAMNING report by women’s groups released today has identified “catastrophic systemic failures” from the police to the prosecution services in the handling of rape cases. 

Despite an increase in reporting, prosecutions have fallen to their lowest levels since records began, leading to charges that rape has effectively been decriminalised. 

The 80-page report, by the Centre for Women’s Justice, the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Imkaan and Rape Crisis England and Wales said that radical change is needed at almost every step of the judicial process.

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