During an exclusive crime interview with MKFM, a councillor revealed that a member of her family was allegedly gang raped in her home.
Today (12/4), MKFM spoke with Cllr Jane Carr about crime trends in Milton Keynes.
Cllr Jane Carr, Lib Dem Councillor for Newport Pagnell discussed reporting crime in Milton Keynes.
MKFM heard from the councillor that a member of her family was allegedly gang raped in her own home, in Milton Keynes, but "nothing happened" following reports.
"Her argument is that she reported it, and nothing happened." she told MKFM.
The councillor said that the family member has spoken with women's groups and the event has changed the way she thinks about things.
"The women she speaks to say they won't report it as it's too damaging to them as a female", the councillor recalled. She said the women claim they will be put through the mill because of it, "not by the police particularly, but by the courts."
The alleged act happened 2 years ago.
"There is a sense of anger, a sense of injustice that a very serious crime, a rape in your own home, by people that she didn't know, has not been managed or solved or sorted and it wouldn't have mattered how much CCTV, how many police time had been on the ground, it just still wouldn't get a prosecution because of the type of crime it is." She said: "Now which one is more important? Drugs crime, or a violent crime against a woman.
"The crime isn't just a single incident, it needs an awful lot of evidence,both forensic and police time to be able to solve that time of crime and the DNA evidence was not complete or whatever," She said: "And that was no fault to anybody at Thames Valley, it was just the process as by they have to go through to reach the threshold to get to crime prosecution service, for them to be able to take the crime forward."
The councillor told MKFM that a complaint hasn't been made by the victim as "they know she won't get the evidence to prove what has happened."
MKFM heard that the alleged assault was a date rape, so the victim's memory of what happened is limited.
You can listen to the interview here.
MKFM contacted Thames Valley Police for a comment.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Thames Valley Police takes all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and we remain committed to preventing and detecting these offences.
“We’d also encourage victims to come forward to report what has happened to them. They will receive specialist support and be treated with sensitivity and compassion.
“Any offence reported to us will be investigated thoroughly, and we will always do everything possible to identify those responsible and take the most appropriate action against them.
“We understand that it can be difficult to come forward, however if you want to report offences to us, you can call 101, make a report online or if you are in immediate danger, call 999.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.
“There is also further information on our website of how to report and resources for victims of sexual offences and rape.”
You can speak to these organisations in confidence and what you tell them won't be shared with the police unless you ask for it to be.
Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) work with adults and children who have experienced sexual violence and their families to get them access to the services they need. Find your local sexual assault referral centre.
The charities, groups and organisations below can also provide specialist information and support:
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Victims First - Supporting male and female victims of rape and sexual assault – visit the Victims First website or call 0300 234 148.
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Victim Support - A national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but friends, family and anyone else caught up in the aftermath.
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Rape Crisis - A national charity offering confidential help, advice and a range of Rape Crisis Centres around the UK.
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Galop - A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT community.
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Survivors UK - A national charity supporting men who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
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Crimestoppers - A national charity with a free helpline for reporting crime anonymously.
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Refuge - Refuge supports women, children and men with a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services.
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Women's Aid - Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
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Men's Advice Line - 0808 801 0327 Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).
