7 December 2007
The Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini QC, today welcomed more than 30 senior prosecutors and precognition officers from across Scotland to the first annual conference focusing on the investigation and prosecution of rape and serious sexual offences.
This is the first conference to take place as a result of the Review of the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences which was instructed by Mrs Angiolini when she was Solicitor General.
Mrs Angiolini said:
"Today's conference is an exciting opportunity to bring together experienced prosecutors and precognition officers from throughout the service. Rape is a serious crime, with a devastating impact on victims, and no-one should be in any doubt that there is a will on the part of the Crown to prosecute these crimes where there is sufficient evidence to do so. Every single delegate attending today's conference shares that will, and a determination to make an effective contribution to the development of practice in this area.
"I am glad to see members of the advisory group to the Review at this conference. Their input and experience was invaluable in informing the recommendations of the Review, and it is essential that we continue to listen to them as part of continuing efforts in this area.
"I am particularly pleased that Sandy Brindley of Rape Crisis Scotland was able to attend the conference to speak about the important issue of the myths and realities of rape. As prosecutors we cannot allow sympathies for the victim, or public perceptions of the offenders to influence our analysis of the evidence. It is vital that we remember that people deal differently with stressful situations, and that the preconceptions we may have about the typical victim can be as wrong as those stereotypes about a 'typical' sex offender.
"The opportunity to listen to and learn from people like Sandy, with her wealth of experience in supporting victims, is invaluable. Initiatives like this conference take training out of a dry classroom situation, and make it relevant to the work being carried out in offices every day.
"Alongside the interactive electronic learning packages being rolled out to prosecutors this month, and the availability of mock court room facilities at the Scottish Prosecution College, we have the opportunity to provide a truly relevant and effective training experience."
Sandy Brindley, National Co-ordinator of Rape Crisis Scotland, spoke on the topic of 'Rape: Myths and Reality'.
Speaking before the conference Ms Brindley said:
"Rape Crisis Scotland is pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this important event. We support the steps the Crown Office is taking to improve the prosecution of rape and sexual offences. Attitudes which blame women for rape are deeply ingrained in Scottish society and therefore likely to be present in some members of juries in rape trials. The challenge for us all is how to change these attitudes and ensure they have no place in our justice system. "
Notes to Editors
- Precognition officers interview victims and witnesses, taking statements which will inform the decision to prosecute and preparation for trial.
- The Review of the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences in Scotland was instructed by the Elish Angiolini QC, who was then Solicitor General for Scotland, in October 2004.
- Of the 50 recommendations made by the Review, 21 recommendations have been completed to date. Implementation of all 50 recommendations is scheduled to take place by the end of June 2009.
- Recommendation 44 of the review was to establish an annual COPFS seminar examining issues around the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences. This seminar was intended as a way of providing a platform for debate in relation to developing policy and practice, and an opportunity to disseminate best practice. It should also provide a means of continuing engagement with the advisory group members.
- A full copy of the review is available in the publications section of the COPFS website at www.copfs.gov.uk/publications
- Today's conference was also attended by representatives of the Equalities Network, the Women's Support Project and Victim Support Scotland, who were involved in the advisory group to the Sexual Offences Review.
Communications
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