PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Sexual Offences: Internet (5 December 2016)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to tackle the increase in sexual offences recorded by the police relating to dating apps; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by:
Sarah Champion (Labour)

Rape and sexual violence are devastating crimes and the Government is committed to ensuring that every victim has access to the specialist support they need, and that everything is done to bring offenders to justice. We want every report of rape to be treated seriously from the point of disclosure, every victim to be treated with dignity and every investigation and every prosecution to be conducted thoroughly and professionally to give victims the confidence to report these crimes, no matter what the circumstances or where they took place. The National Crime Agency has issued advice, in partnership with the voluntary sector, on keeping safe when dating online which makes it clear that responsibility for rape and sexual violence always unequivocally rests with the perpetrator of these crimes. This is to make people aware of the potential dangers, so they can be better prepared and make the choices that are right for them. Advice on personal safety when dating online is also available at https://www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/online-dating/

Answered by:
Sarah Newton (Conservative)
9 December 2016