Rape offences tried on the balance of probability NOT beyond reasonable doubt

Statistics from The British Crime Survey reveal that 89% of rapes go unreported, and 38% of victims don’t tell anyone. It is unrealistic to assess a rape case beyond all reasonable doubt if the victim is known to the defendant or is the defendants partner etc this is virtually impossible as there will always be the argument of consensual sex therefore giving the element of doubt. 97% of calls to the Rape Crisis helpline are from victims who knew their attackers, if we try defendants based on the balance of probability we will have a better chance of convictions and will incourage more victims to come forward.