The police service has worked hard to provide a victim focussed response to rape investigations and this work will continue. There have been significant improvements in the specialist training of officers, the introduction of early evidence kits, greater access to sexual assault referral centres, and increased partnership working with support groups.

The fall in the number of rape or domestic abuse cases that police are reporting to the Crown Prosecution Service is a concern. Chief officers, the CPS and the Home Office have commissioned research in seven forces so that we can understand why this fall in referrals has taken place and find the best way of tackling any issues that are identified.

"The public should be in no doubt of the police's commitment to bringing offenders of sex crimes to justice and protecting victims.

It is also important to note that reporting of rape is at the highest level since current recording standards began and the police and the CPS have worked together to convict 2,333 offenders for rape in 2012/13 - an increase of five per cent from 2007/08.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt

National Policing Lead on Adult Sex Offences