Rape trial reforms unveiled

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - The government unveiled plans to reform rape trials on Wednesday with the aim of tackling "myths" around the crime in a bid to increase low conviction rates.

Less than six percent of reported rapes currently result in a conviction, down from 33 percent in 1977. Statistics show that one in 20 women have been the victim of rape but less than a quarter are reported.

"Justice must not be defeated by myths and stereotypes," said Solicitor General Vera Baird. "It is an undeniable truth however that rape is a difficult offence to prosecute.

"Whilst we have already strengthened the law on rape, the results of this consultation will I hope go some way further to improve the way in which a rape victim's case is heard, and the outcome of rape trials in general."

A 2005 poll revealed that entrenched and prevalent "myths" surround rape. The government said it now wants juries to be given expert material outlining possible explanations for victims' behaviour.

However a consultation with experts will take place to see how such material can be delivered in a way that is not prejudicial to either the defendant or the prosecution by giving a misleading profile of a "typical rape complainant".

The new measures also include allowing rape complainants to use video-recorded evidence given at police interview to spare them having to go through the ordeal again at court.

The plans would also see clarification over a victim's capacity to give consent where drink or drugs were involved, and to allow hearsay evidence of complaints, made to other people, to be admissible in trials.