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<p>Over the last financial year 2019-20 the charging rate increased by over 10% and
there was a 6.2% rise in the volume of rape cases proceeding to prosecution following
a decision to charge. Although this is a promising trend which the CPS is seeking
to maintain, there is clearly more to be done.</p><p>The reasons behind the recent
declines in prosecutions are complex and a whole system approach is necessary to address
them. There is ongoing work to improve the handling of these sensitive cases and narrow
the disparity between offences reported and cases going to court.</p><p> </p><p>In
July the CPS published its own rape strategy, the first of its kind for any department.
There is also an ongoing cross-Government review of the criminal justice response
to rape. This is examining evidence across the system about the causes of the falls
in outcomes for rape and identifying solutions to reverse the trend. The CPS is actively
engaged in this review and will address any issues raised honestly and openly.</p>
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