Sarah Champion MP, Shadow Minister for Preventing Abuse, responding to the Crown Prosecution Services’ ‘Violence Against Women and Girls Report 2015-16’ said:

“It is welcome news that survivors of rape, domestic abuse and child abuse are receiving justice for the terrible crimes committed against them, but this must be understood against the frightening reality that the number of the offences committed are rising too.

“We must recognise the bravery of victims in coming forward, but we must do more to offer support those who do not feel they are able to pursue a prosecution.

“Much more should be done to prevent these crimes from happening, by teaching children from the earliest possible age to respect themselves and others. Acting once the crime has happened is too late; too many lives have already been destroyed.“