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source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7116336.stm
Ministers have long been concerned about low rape conviction rates
Juries in rape trials are to be given information about the way an attack can affect a victim's behaviour - in an attempt to increase conviction rates.
Only 5.7% of reported rapes in England and Wales currently end in conviction.
One common problem is a victim is doubted when a jury cannot understand why she did not attempt to escape the attack or took some time to report it.
The move to explain such reactions is among measures expected to be announced later by Solicitor General Vera Baird.
Another measure, which has already been approved, will enable prosecutors to use a victim's videotaped police statement or interview as their main evidence at the trial.
It means victims will spend less time in court having to relive their ordeal.
It is thought that about 80% of rapes are never reported, and about a third of those reported are not recorded by the police.
Cameron's call
And in eight out of 10 rape cases, victim and suspect are known to each other.
Two weeks ago Conservative leader David Cameron called for tougher sentences for rapists, saying too many men "think they can get away with it".
Rape victims are often not believed because they did not respond to an attack in the way juries expected.
For example, victims may not try to escape or immediately report what has happened and some stay with partners who have raped them because the are scared to leave.
This prompted the plans to inform jury members of psychological reactions to forms of abuse.
A group of judges, doctors and academics will determine over the next few months exactly what information should be given in rape trials and how it can be delivered.
However, the government ruled out using expert witnesses.
Ministers have long been concerned about low rape conviction rates
Juries in rape trials are to be given information about the way an attack can affect a victim's behaviour - in an attempt to increase conviction rates.
Only 5.7% of reported rapes in England and Wales currently end in conviction.
One common problem is a victim is doubted when a jury cannot understand why she did not attempt to escape the attack or took some time to report it.
The move to explain such reactions is among measures expected to be announced later by Solicitor General Vera Baird.
Another measure, which has already been approved, will enable prosecutors to use a victim's videotaped police statement or interview as their main evidence at the trial.
It means victims will spend less time in court having to relive their ordeal.
It is thought that about 80% of rapes are never reported, and about a third of those reported are not recorded by the police.
Cameron's call
And in eight out of 10 rape cases, victim and suspect are known to each other.
Two weeks ago Conservative leader David Cameron called for tougher sentences for rapists, saying too many men "think they can get away with it".
Rape victims are often not believed because they did not respond to an attack in the way juries expected.
For example, victims may not try to escape or immediately report what has happened and some stay with partners who have raped them because the are scared to leave.
This prompted the plans to inform jury members of psychological reactions to forms of abuse.
A group of judges, doctors and academics will determine over the next few months exactly what information should be given in rape trials and how it can be delivered.
However, the government ruled out using expert witnesses.