The way that crimes of rape and sexual abuse are handled by the police is not working.

Almost one-third (31%) of all rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more than one in ten of these victims (11%) never get over the trauma.

1.6 million adults aged 16 to 74 years have experienced sexual assault by rape or penetration (including attempts). How dreadful that 38% (608,000) did not think the police could help! 

Our police force have become too infatuated with investigating potentially mean or offensive tweets and defending paedophile rings, they seem not interested in seriously and thoroughly investigating rape and sexual assault complaints.

As a result of this dereliction of duty, the mental health of rape and sexual assault victims is irreparably damaged. Providing the necessary care and support for these victims adds to the already overstretched social services and health providers budget and workload.

The shortage of properly trained police officers, counsellors and other support staff has not helped, only 40% of police units in England and Wales have properly trained staff to cope with the increasing number of cases of rape and sexual assault being reported.

It is hard to blame the lack of trained staff on funding cuts when £1.8 million per year is spent on promoting anti racist idealism. A vast majority of the people in this country no longer care if your black, white, green, purple, yellow and so on. 

We must move with the times and acknowledge that a high priority within Britain's internal problems must be the support of victims of rape and sexual abuse from the minute the complaint is made.

Jordan Gaskell

UK Independence Party - Wellbeing & Mental Health Spokesman