A third of all rape charges linked to domestic abuse, new data suggests

"From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground."

"Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference."

"Prosecutors are now seeking to dismantle a "complex web of harm" associated with violence against women and girls (VAWG), as new data reveals a "significant overlap" between various offences. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has identified a "growing relationship" connecting domestic abuse with other serious crimes, including rape, strangulation, revenge porn, and stalking. This renewed focus underpins the CPS's new five-year VAWG strategy, designed to address these increasing complexities."

The Crown Prosecution Service has identified a growing relationship linking domestic abuse with rape, strangulation, revenge porn, stalking and other serious offences. CPS data shows more than a third of rape charges occur as part of domestic abuse, nearly seven in ten harassment charges, over eight in ten revenge porn and stalking instances, and nine in ten strangulation and "honour"-based abuse incidents are linked to domestic abuse. More than one in ten controlling or coercive behaviour charges were flagged as relating to rape. The CPS has launched a new five-year VAWG strategy to address these overlaps. The Independent requests donations to fund reporters while keeping journalism free to all.

Read at www.independent.co.uk