Rape defendants to be granted anonymity despite outrage
source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7558673/Rape-defendants-to-be-granted-an...
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The Telegraph reports on the Government plans to set legislation on anonymity for rape defendants, with a free vote to MPs. However, ever since the proposal appeared in the coalition agreement (which the Guardian notes, wasn't in either parties manifestos) it has split opinion on both sides of the benches with some papers saying there is a gender split.
The paper quotes Louise Bagshawe Conservative MP (they note she has defended rape defendants) who says "it was “without a doubt” the case that when an accused’s name was made public other victims often came forward."-Telegraph. This is the main argument against the anonymity plans stated by other MPs and charity groups because it is reported victims face the fear of accusation and not being believed when reporting rape.
"the "vast majority" of rape crimes went unreported for fear of reprisal, not being believed, misplaced feelings of guilt, or wanting to forget. She added that many rapists were serial offenders known to the police and warned ministers against adding a "further barrier" to women coming forward and making allegations.
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And Keith Vaz, Labour chair of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said "whole lives can be destroyed" by false accusations. "-Telegraph
The paper quotes Louise Bagshawe Conservative MP (they note she has defended rape defendants) who says "it was “without a doubt” the case that when an accused’s name was made public other victims often came forward."-Telegraph. This is the main argument against the anonymity plans stated by other MPs and charity groups because it is reported victims face the fear of accusation and not being believed when reporting rape.
"the "vast majority" of rape crimes went unreported for fear of reprisal, not being believed, misplaced feelings of guilt, or wanting to forget. She added that many rapists were serial offenders known to the police and warned ministers against adding a "further barrier" to women coming forward and making allegations.
[...]
And Keith Vaz, Labour chair of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said "whole lives can be destroyed" by false accusations. "-Telegraph
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