Talks held in bid to help sex-crime victims

POLICE chiefs and health and council bosses from West Yorkshire have taken part in a two-day summit on improving services for victims of sex crimes after an urgent review was launched into the falling detection rate of such crimes in the county

The event, in Leeds, was part of a national initiative by the Department of Health to "better ensure an effective response" for victims of serious sexual assault. Experts from the voluntary sector also attended the summit which finished yesterday .

It was held as a review into the way West Yorkshire Police deals with serious sexual assault and rape is set to be discussed by the county's police authority.

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It was commissioned by Deputy Chief Constable David Crompton after data revealed only two forces in England and Wales had a worse record for bringing serious sex offenders to justice.

The report reveals West Yorkshire charged, cautioned, summoned, reprimanded or fined offenders in 21.5 per cent of the serious sex cases it investigated between December 2008 and November 2009 – well below similar sized forces like South Wales (45.6 per cent), Lancashire (37.0) and South Yorkshire (28.7).

The Yorkshire Post reported last week how the review highlighted a series of concerns including the quality of the force's investigations varying from case to case, with some inquiries being carried out by officers with limited experience of catching sex offenders.

It also showed that while the force had increased its team of highly-trained experts to investigate rape cases and support victims, it was now reviewing the training given to other staff involved in other cases of sexual assault.

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The findings are to be presented to West Yorkshire Police Authority's strategic planning and performance committee today.

A new crisis worker service is also now available to victims of rape or sexual assault in West Yorkshire – even if they do not want to speak directly to police.

The 24-hour service, which is open to anyone aged 14 or over, allows forensic evidence to be captured and stored for the police.

Previously it was only possible for a forensic examination to be carried out if a report was made directly to police.

Referrals to the service can also be made by third parties such as doctors, friends or social services.