By Philippa Willitts | 28 April 2010, 19:36

From the BBC and womensgrid:

Rape victims in West Yorkshire are being asked to help improve the way sex crimes are investigated.

Researchers want more people to come forward to talk about their experiences of the police and the courts or why they did not report an attack.

West Yorkshire Police has joined forces with a team of three academics on the research project.

The project would “help us to identify what more can be done to accommodate the needs of a victim of rape”.

Det Ch Insp Marianne Huison, of the West Yorkshire Police Child and Public Protection Unit, said: “In doing this research, we hope to find ways in which we can allay people’s fears in reporting such crimes and ensure that the entire process of the victim’s recovery is dealt with as smoothly and as sensitively as possible.”

‘Many people worried’

Those volunteering their time to the project will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and can opt to either complete it online, face to face or over the telephone.

Anyone who is wanting to take part in the project is asked complete the anonymous online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/QY5Y5CV”>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QY5Y5CV before 29 April.

Project researcher Dr Nicole Westmarland, of Durham University, said: “Many people are worried about going to the police or telling anyone about rape because they think they might be judged or not treated with respect.

“We know that this still happens in many parts of the country.

“We are pleased that West Yorkshire Police are trying to do something to improve the situation for people who are raped in this area.”

So, if you are in West Yorkshire and are a victim of rape, you may want to fill in the survey here. It sounds to me like some really worthwhile research, but do only do it if you feel safe to do so.