PCC Tony Hogg reinforces determination to encourage greater reporting of sexual assault and rape

Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg has offered his backing to Totnes MP Dr Sarah Wollaston MP who has been criticised for the support she gave to the two men who alleged they had been assaulted by the former deputy speaker of the Commons Nigel Evans.

It has been reported in the national press that Dr Wollaston has been "vilified" for listening to the two young men and providing them with access to people who could assist them further.

"I think it is disgraceful that people are seeking to criticise Sarah Wollaston.” said Mr Hogg

“Victims of sexual assault and rape should expect to be believed when they come forward with an allegation.  It is for the police to develop whether a case can be made and for the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether to take this to court. We know that many victims of this type of crime are reluctant to report it to the police and often need support such as that provided by Sarah Wollaston.”

"I am very concerned that the publicity surrounding the Nigel Evans case will further discourage victims from coming forward when they have been the subject of this type of offence. I have agreed with the Chief Constable as part of my Police and Crime Plan that in Devon and Cornwall we will make every effort to encourage victims to come forward to the police where their allegations will be taken seriously and properly investigated."

The PCC's plan, published last week, does not formally include the offences of sexual assault and rape in the measure of total crime. This was done to remove any discouragement from officers to record allegations of these offences which are significantly under reported. Work will be taking place during the year to put in place measures to increase the confidence of victims in coming forward to make disclosures in order to support the individual's recovery from the crime and to help a potential police investigation