THE police, fire and crime commissioner has shown his support for the government's plans to better support rape victims.

Roger Hirst has welcomed the reforms to increase the number of convictions for rape and improve support for victims.

Mr Hirst said: "The number of rapes and sexual assaults that lead to a successful conviction is woefully low in Essex and this needs to change. I want victims to feel confident to report crime and we need to support them through the criminal justice system.

"Alongside this, I want to see stronger investigations being undertaken that then lead to more successful prosecutions."

Last month, Essex Police were awarded £500,000 from the Ministry of Justice's victims grant which the force are using to fund more independent sexual abuse advisors.

The force have been told this money will be granted again next year.

Mr Hirst added: In Essex we have a dedicated strategic sexual abuse partnership which has a clear focus to have an effective criminal justice response for victims of sexual abuse. This means victims feel more confident about the criminal proceedings process and perpetrators are brought to justice.

"The partnership will be reviewing this action plan but have already made steps to improve the criminal justice journey, working with Essex Police, Synergy Essex, which delivers rape crisis support, and the Crown Prosecution Service.”

If you need help or support, go to https://synergyessex.org.uk/.