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<p>Rape and sexual violence are devastating crimes and we want victims to have the
confidence to report these crimes, knowing they will get the support they need and
that everything will be done to bring offenders to justice.</p><p>We are not complacent
in these aims and that is why, in light of recent reduced volumes of police referrals,
charges, prosecutions and convictions for serious sexual offences, we committed to
undertake a review of the criminal justice response to rape and serious sexual offence
cases</p><p>The review is being overseen by a Sexual Offences Sub Group of the Criminal
Justice Board and we have held two Sub-Group meetings since May to agree terms of
reference and develop a programme of work over the next few months. Priority areas
of focus have been identified through input from specialist stakeholders and an initial
data mapping exercise.</p><p>We expect to report back fully on the review and its
recommendations in March 2020, in line with other commitments made in the VAWG Strategy.</p>
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