Women’s Aid responds to Ministry of Justice decision to introduce legislation making ‘rough sex’ an aggravating factor if it results in death

Sophie Francis-Cansfield, head of external affairs at Women’s Aid, comments:
 

“Today’s announcement by the Ministry of Justice is an important step in recognising the devastating nature of deaths caused by ‘rough sex’. For too long, killers have leaned on the ‘rough sex’ defence to receive more lenient sentences and it is welcome to see that this is firmly being recognised and that those who harm women will be brought to justice.  

 

“We are also delighted to see the appointment of Professor Katrin Hohl as the new Independent Advisor to the Rape Review. Despite small indicators of progress, convictions for rape remain shockingly low and survivors continue to be failed when reporting to the CPS, including having to wait years for cases to get to trial. It is vital that this changes and we look forward to seeing this come into force under Professor Hohl, especially following the successes of Operation Soteria.”