Speaking Out

I read this morning that the new crime figures produced by the MET police in London show that there were 18,621 fewer victims of crime over the last 12 months in my wonderful city.

The article was interesting but not just because it perceives and improving London, particularly where the figures recorded a 26% decrease in knife-crime, but also because of a shocking statistic.

On last year there was a 15% increase on the number of rapes reported.
Instead of being appalled at such an increase in an awful crime I couldn't help feel that, actually, it shows that people are reporting a crime that had prevously undergone the silent treatment for fear of what might happen to them if they step forward. Coming forward about a personal and violent violation after dealing with the physical and emotional affects of the act must be one of the hardest things that any feeling human being goes through. I can't begin to imagine what that must be like and I can only be hopeful I never experience it. I would hope that I could rely on the support of friends and family to support my decision to come forward.

Instead of seeing this statistic as a negative implication on today's society, it should also provide reassurance and hope in the strength of our nation's voice against crime. Fewer are tolerating this heinous cirme and wish to speak up about it to ensure that those who think they can get away with it are put away.

THIS FIGURE IS A POSITIVE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN MY EYES