Meetings
NDM7229 Plaid Cymru Debate - Rape and Sexual Abuse
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Meeting: 15/01/2020 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd (Item 7)
Plaid Cymru Debate - Rape and Sexual Abuse
NDM7229 Rhun
ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)
To propose that the National Assembly for
Wales:
1. Notes the increase in reports of rape in
England and Wales.
2. Expresses sympathy and solidarity with
survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
3. Regrets the continued failure of many
criminal justice systems across the world to offer support to survivors, and
regrets that it remains the case that too often survivors are not believed and
are forced to relive horrific experiences through insensitive court processes,
and cultures within police forces that don’t believe victims.
4. Notes that prosecutions for rape and
convictions in England and Wales are at their lowest levels in a decade, and
that improving conviction rates is a crucial part of a rape prevention
strategy.
5. Notes that the Thomas Commission has
argued that only full legislative devolution combined with executive powers
will overcome the obstacles of the current devolution settlement when it comes
to addressing the lack of justice and accountability of the status quo.
6. Calls for sexual assault support and
services to be available and well-funded, and for courts to be adapted so that
victims feel protected, not intimidated when giving evidence.
7. Calls for the devolution of justice so
that we can address these low convictions rates through adopting international
best practice on increasing conviction rates and prevention of abuse and rape.
Commission
on Justice in Wales Report - October 2019
The following amendments have been tabled:
Amendment 1 - Caroline
Jones (South Wales West)
Delete points 5 and 7.
In accordance with Standing Order 12.23
(iii), amendment 2 has not been selected.
Amendment 3 - Caroline
Jones (South Wales West)
Add as new point at end of motion:
Notes the Thomas Commission’s report and
thanks the Commission for their work on the possible devolution of justice
while looking forward to the promised debate in government time on the
Commission’s findings and any impact these will have on increasing conviction
rates as well as preventing abuse and rape.
Amendment 4 - Darren
Millar (Clwyd West)
Add as new point at end of motion:
Notes that the HM Crown Prosecution Service
Inspectorate Rape Inspection 2019 report found that both the number of cases
referred to the CPS for a decision by the Police and the number of cases
prosecuted by the CPS fell, despite reports of rape to the police nearly
doubling.
HM
Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate - Rape Inspection 2019 - December 2019
Amendment 5 - Darren
Millar (Clwyd West)
Add as new point at end of motion:
Notes the UK Government’s statement that
the findings are “deeply concerning” and that “they were committed to restoring
confidence in the justice system and providing better support for victims”.
HMCPSI
report on rape conviction rates - 17 December 2019
Minutes:
The item started at 17.37
Voting on the motion and
amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.
A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:
NDM7229 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)
To propose that the
National Assembly for Wales:
1. Notes the increase in
reports of rape in England and Wales.
2. Expresses sympathy and
solidarity with survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
3. Regrets the continued
failure of many criminal justice systems across the world to offer support to
survivors, and regrets that it remains the case that too often survivors are
not believed and are forced to relive horrific experiences through insensitive
court processes, and cultures within police forces that don’t believe victims.
4. Notes that prosecutions
for rape and convictions in England and Wales are at their lowest levels in a
decade, and that improving conviction rates is a crucial part of a rape
prevention strategy.
5. Notes that the Thomas
Commission has argued that only full legislative devolution combined with
executive powers will overcome the obstacles of the current devolution
settlement when it comes to addressing the lack of justice and accountability
of the status quo.
6. Calls for sexual assault
support and services to be available and well-funded, and for courts to be
adapted so that victims feel protected, not intimidated when giving evidence.
7. Calls for the devolution
of justice so that we can address these low convictions rates through adopting
international best practice on increasing conviction rates and prevention of
abuse and rape.
Commission on Justice in Wales Report - October 2019
For |
Abstain |
Against |
Total |
35 |
2 |
12 |
49 |
The motion
without amendment was agreed.