Steve Reed responds to government's 24/7 rape helpline announcement

Steve Reed MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to the Ministry of Justice launch of the 24/7 Support Line for victims of rape and sexual abuse, said:

“It’s embarrassing that after 12 years, a belated helpline is all the Tories can come up with to address their abysmal record on violence against women and girls.

“In the 18 months it’s taken Ministers to act since the hotline was announced, more than 70,000 victims have reported they have been raped. These delays do nothing to prevent sexual violence or ensure that victims get justice.

“Labour will put more police on our streets, open specialist rape courts and create a new Domestic Abuse Register. It’s time for the Government to move aside and for Labour, the party of law and order, to take control and stamp out violence against women and girls.”

Ends

Notes:

• The government announced a rape and assault helpline in July 2021:
  https://news.sky.com/story/government-to-announce-plans-to-tackle-violence-against-women-and-girls-including-24-7-rape-and-assault-helpline-1236014

• Since then, more than 70,000 have reported that they are victims of rape. Rape offences from June 2021 to June 2022:
  https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingjune2022#domestic-abuse-and-sexual-offences

• The Tory government has been without a Victims’ Commissioner for more than two months – further failing victims. In resigning, Vera Baird said the government was “downgrading” victims’ interests.
  https://twitter.com/VictimsComm/status/1573296147334152192?s=20&t=Fl15VmMkpLqL455chKqzGg

• In 2015, the Conservatives promised to introduce a Victims’ Bill tosupport those who have suffered domestic abuse and sexual violence. Some Seven years later, the government is still dragging its heels. During this time 42 million people have been a victim of crime - with women disproportionately affected. We’ve had five Prime Ministers, seven Justice Secretaries, six Home Secretaries and five Attorneys General. None have delivered this legislation, and it is victims themselves who continue to pay the price for broken promises.