50% rise in rapes over six years

BBC.CO.UK / Northern Ireland

There has been a 50% increase in rapes in Northern Ireland over the past six years, according to government figures.

There were more than 450 reported or attempted rapes last year.

The highest figure was in Foyle where 40 assaults were reported last year, whilst 39 incidents were reported in south Belfast.

DUP assembly member for south Belfast Jimmy Spratt called for tougher legislation to support victims of rape as well as a "robust action" by police.

He said the "clear-up rate is far too low in Northern Ireland".

"That needs to dramatically increase, there are far too few cases coming to conviction and certainly that needs to change.

"It needs to be shown that the victim is being fully supported."

The figures were released by Justice Minister Paul Goggins in response to a parliamentary question from DUP MP Nigel Dodds.

Mr Dodds said the figures were "quite disturbing".

"We need to restore confidence in law and order. As a society we need to get back to a point where the community has faith in our justice system," he said.

Mr Goggins said the government was committed to improving the rates of successful prosecution in rape cases.

"Specialist police units, staffed by highly skilled and trained personnel, are dedicated to enhancing the service to victims of rape and sexual assault," he said.

"Both PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service are seeking to develop models of best investigative practice so that more offences can achieve the threshold for prosecution."