A NEW strategy to deliver justice for survivors of rape and sexual abuse has been launched by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

It is to ensure offenders of sexual violence are brought to justice and victims properly supported.

The CPS has a dedicated team which prosecutes sexual offences on the Isle of Wight and across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Sophie Stevens, head of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team at CPS Wessex, said: "Rape is one of the most traumatic crimes anyone can survive. These crimes are devastating and can have a lasting impact on their victims. They are among the most challenging cases to prosecute.

"Every day I see the bravery and courage of the survivors of rape and serious sexual offences.

"My team will continue to work with the police, charities and support services to bring offenders to justice and we are all committed to this.

“Since the government restrictions started, we have continued to prosecute cases and deliver justice for more than 50 victims.

"This has resulted in sex offenders being sent to prison for sentences which in total come to an excess of 100 years."

Since lockdown, 80 per cent of sexual offenders have pleaded guilty under the weight of the evidence.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Pictured are Luke West, 29, a violent rapist from Southampton, and serial paedophile Peter Kis, 88, convicted following an investigation by Wiltshire Police.