RAPE campaigners in Ipswich have welcomed an investigation into how the crime is handled.Sex attack victims are to be quizzed by the Crown Prosecution Service in a bid to make the system more effective.

RAPE campaigners in Ipswich have welcomed an investigation into how the crime is handled.

Sex attack victims are to be quizzed by the Crown Prosecution Service in a bid to make the system more effective.

Hilary Cadman, of Ipswich Women's Aid, described the move as "extremely good news."

She said: "Rape is a crime and 85 per cent are committed by a known man. Like all forms of domestic violence it seeks to achieve power and control of the victim.

"This consultation is extremely good news, particularly the issue of having specialised prosecutors who have a high level of understanding of the issues.

"The current conviction rate is very low and has been falling in recent years and we believe that greater clarity in the law relating to whether consent has been given will be welcome."

A report published last year showed just seven pc of cases reported to police resulted in an offender being sentenced and only 28 pc of reported attackers charged or cautioned.

The consultation will be launched next month by Solicitor General Harriet Harman and Director of Public Prosecutions Sir David Calvert-Smith QC,

Alongside the introduction of specialist prosecutors, the inquiry will also examine how to reduce waiting times before giving evidence and discuss the way alleged rape victims are cross-examined in court.