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For every 100 rapes recorded by the police in England and Wales, fewer than two will result in a guilty verdict. One reason is that an estimated 60% of rape victims drop out before their trial takes place. Many fear that, after years of waiting, their behaviour and sexual past will be torn apart to sway the jury. We know from research into public attitudes and understanding of rape and sexual offences that this is likely to be an effective strategy for defence barristers. After surveying more than 3,000 people, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concluded that 鈥渢he public鈥檚 accurate understanding of rape is outweighed by false beliefs, misunderstanding, lack of knowledge, and underlying stereotypes鈥�.
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