Police and Crime Commissioner responds to new privacy proposals to protect rape victims
Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster has responded to new Government proposals to better protect victims of rape from intrusive and unnecessary investigation by the police.
In a landmark shake-up to reverse falling prosecution rates for rape, Safeguarding Minister Sarah Dines has unveiled plans for new legislation banning ‘unnecessary’ or ‘disproportionate’ requests for personal third-party records containing a victim’s medical, school or counselling data as part of an investigation.
Under the proposals, victims of rape will also receive a new legal right to demand why and what is being requested and how it will be used, in a bid to stem the number of witnesses who withdraw from court proceedings due to intrusive interrogation into their character and past.
Victims of rape are already protected from receiving unwarranted and intrusive requests for their mobile phone records or other digital data following amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill last year.
Responding to the latest announcement, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “This proposed legislation represents a significant breakthrough for survivors of rape. It promises to give many more victims the courage to come forward and report crimes to the police.
“Victims of crime should be our main focus. It is imperative victims of rape and sexual violence, especially, are treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect given the traumatic nature of their experiences.
“Investigations should concentrate on the suspect, not the victim. Of course, safeguarding victim privacy must always be balanced against the responsibility to protect the right of a suspect to a fair trial so it is essential that the new Code of Practice will be effective and transparent.
“Derbyshire Constabulary officers and staff work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice and this move will encourage more people to seek justice for this type of crime.’
Article by Derbyshire Police & Crime Commissioner
More News From Amber Valley Info
Former pro skater designs Heanor's first wheeled sports facility Work on a wheeled sports facility designed by ex-pro skateboarder Marc Churchill has begun in Heanor. read more | |
The 2024 British Citizen Youth Award Roll Of Honour Announced The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, will be honouring 21 young people from across the UK that have read more | |
Ripley salon celebrates 40 years in the town The team at KH Hair Ripley is celebrating as the salon reaches a 40 year milestone in the town. read more | |
Classic car club members clock-up miles for charity A classic car tour of the Peak District has clocked up nearly £800 for Prostate Cancer UK. read more | |
New council housing to be released in Belper Amber Valley Borough Council has purchased 21 new affordable homes in Belper in its £9m drive to bring back council housing after more read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley boosting the speed, performance and coverage of mobile services in the area. read more | |
Trent Barton Buses - Extension Of The £2 Single Fare Cap Trent Barton Buses have confirmed their participation in the extension of the £2 single fare cap until the end o read more | |
Crich Tramway Village Looking For An Engineering Manager The successful candidate for this post will have excellent management skills gained whilst working in a practical workshop e read more | |