Reports of rape rise, but charge rate decreases, new data shows

THE number of rape charges has decreased, despite an increase in the amount of rapes reported, data that has recently been released had revealed. The multi agency Rape Monitoring Group (RMG) has published data showing how cases of rape were dealt with at all stages of the criminal justice system in 2017/18. The data covers every Police Force in England and Wales.

At a national level the data showed:-

► The overall charge rate has decreased compared to the previous year, from 6.8% to 4.2%.

► The overall number of reported rapes has increased compared to the previous year, from 41,186 to 54,045.

► The number of incidents of rape which were not recorded as crimes (the N100 classification) has increased compared to the previous year, from 8,624 to 11,913.

► The number of cases referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision has decreased compared to the previous year, from 6,606 to 6,012.

► The number of suspects found guilty of rape has decreased compared to the previous year from 1,350 to 1,062.

The group released data taken from the Home Office, Office for National Statistics, Crown Prosecution Service and Ministry of Justice. The data are presented in the form of an online dashboard covering all 43 Home Office Police Forces in England and Wales, as well as the British Transport Police.

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams, chair of the group, said:- "Rape is 1 of the most serious crimes dealt with by the criminal justice system. It is therefore vital that information and statistics about rape are made as transparent as possible, so that agencies can refine prevention strategies and give victims the justice they deserve. This data gives crucial information about how incidents of rape are processed by the criminal justice system, providing detailed numbers and figures about local areas. We hope it will help Police, prosecutors, and the entire system, to improve their work to provide justice for victims, convict the guilty and do all they can to prevent this most heinous of crimes."

Do you know the symptoms of leukaemia?

MEMBERS of the public living within the Liverpool City Region are being encouraged to learn the symptoms of leukaemia during Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) which takes place throughout September 2019. Leukaemia Care, a national blood cancer charity, is attempting to raise awareness of the disease, as well as its signs and symptoms, as part of their Spot Leukaemia campaign. If you think you know about leukaemia, did you know that in 2015, 9,900 people were diagnosed with Leukaemia? That is 27 people each day! Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer. Blood cancer is the 5th most common cancer diagnosed in the UK and is the 3rd biggest cancer killer. Leukaemia can be hard to spot because the signs and symptoms are common to other unrelated illnesses. The 6 most common symptoms experienced by all leukaemia patients prior to diagnosis are:-

► Fatigue.

► Bruising or bleeding.

► Bone / Joint pain.

► Fever or night sweats.

► Sleeping problems.

► Shortness of breath.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness of what leukaemia is, the symptoms to spot and who can be affected by leukaemia. The charity wants to equip people to spot the signs and symptoms of leukaemia and urge them to visit their General practice (GP) if they have any concerns. Early diagnosis saves lives and improves outcomes.

Leukaemia Care is giving away free magnets, pens and symptoms cards to raise awareness of the types of leukaemia and to empower people to visit their GP if they feel worried. They are also encouraging members of the public to take a new free leukaemia awareness course where members of the public can earn a certificate on their knowledge of leukaemia.

Symptoms cards as well as more information about the campaign and awareness course can be found online at:- SpotLeukaemia.Co.UK.

¼ of a million UK children are unhappy

ALMOST a ¼ of a million children in the UK; the equivalent of 219,000; report being unhappy with their lives as a whole, according to new figures from The Children's Society. Based on these figures, The Children's Society estimates that across the North West 24,000 young people are unhappy with their lives.

The charity's annual Good Childhood Report, which examines the state of children's well being in the UK, also reveals that children's happiness with life is at its lowest since 2009. It Cites issues around boys' appearance, friendships and School as potential driving factors. So now the charity is issuing a warning that the decline in happiness is a:- 'national scandal' and exposes huge failings for the country's most vulnerable children.

The report finds that nearly 1 in 12 boys (7.7%) aged 10 to 15; the equivalent of 20,000 across the North West; are unhappy with their appearance. Over 13's were significantly less happy with how they look compared to 10 to 12 year olds. Historically, boys have been happier with their appearance than girls but the gap is narrowing.

1 boy said:- "Like Instagram and stuff, right? You see all these models, you see all these weight lifters, body builders and you look at yourself and you' re like; I look like a stick. I feel like we' re exposed to a lot more so we are less secure about our appearance."

1 in 8 children (11.8%) are also unhappy with School, another key wellbeing measure, which is at its lowest since 2009. Evidence from year 10 students (mostly aged 14 and 15) suggested that bullying and not feeling safe at School are among a range of factors linked to low well being. The research also found links between income poverty and financial strain and unhappiness with School.

A secondary School girl said:- "A lot of things get stolen and people are rude and rough. Yesterday someone kicked my bag, called me a rude name and spat in my face."

Children's happiness with their friendships is decreasing with 2.8% of children unhappy with their friends. The wider research suggests that this could be down to factors as varied as bullying, being unable to spend time with friends outside of School, excessive social media use and loneliness.

The Good Childhood Report also found a 3rd (33%) of 10 to 17 year olds have concerns about whether they will have enough money in the future, with more than a ¼ (29%) worrying about having a job.

But children as young as 10 are also worrying about broad societal issues. The most common worries among 10 to 17 year olds were crime (42%), followed by the environment (41%) and information sharing online (37%). Only about a 5th worried about the economy and Brexit.

The Children's Society are calling on the Government to introduce national measurement of well being for all children aged 11 to 18 to be undertaken through Schools and Colleges once a year. This would enable the experiences of young people to be recorded and issues acted upon for future generations.
 
Mark Russell, Chief Executive at The Children's Society says:- "Modern childhood is a happy and carefree time for most, yet for too many it is not. It is a national scandal that children's unhappiness is increasing so quickly. Today's young people are becoming progressively unhappy with their friendships; 1 of the fundamental building blocks of well being; as well as appearance and School. Children are also burdened with fears ranging from worrying about the future, not having enough money to not feeling safe at School and bullying. Many young people tell us they feel side lined and ignored by those in power. The Children's Society is committed to listening to young people, and working with them to speak up and speak out, to enable every child to thrive not just survive. We are urging the Government to introduce a national measurement of children's well being so we can really listen, respond and show young people they matter. Together we can build a brighter future and bring optimism and confidence back to being young."

OMG it's OMD at BME!

A special exhibition celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark (OMD) will take centre stage, at Liverpool's British Music Experience (BME) in October. In tribute to the legacy of the Wirral synth pop pioneers who sold an impressive 25 million singles and 15million albums, the showcase will open to the public, from Friday, 11 October 2019.

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, said:- "OMD are 1 of the great Merseyside groups so it is only fitting that they are celebrating their Anniversary in the City. The BME is the perfect place for what is a unique exhibition and a fascinating insight into an extraordinary 40 year career that has made OMD well known across the world. I was lucky enough to see them in their very early days and we should recognise them not just for their great songs but for their role as pioneers of British electro/synth pop."Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, said:- "OMD are 1 of the great Merseyside groups so it is only fitting that they are celebrating their anniversary in the City. The BME is the perfect place for what is a unique exhibition and a fascinating insight into an extraordinary 40 year career that has made OMD well known across the world. I was lucky enough to see them in their very early days and we should recognise them not just for their great songs but for their role as pioneers of British electro/synth pop."

Entitled:- 'Souvenir - 40 Years of OMD' includes the band's:- instruments, stage outfits, prints, posters, as well as Andy McCluskey's personal binders full of ideas, photos and press cuttings.

Andy McCluskey, said:- "A 1 off concert at Eric's Club, in Mathew Street, in October 1978, just to satisfy our need to be able to say... 'at least played our crazy songs live,' turned into a remarkable 40 year odyssey. We are honoured to have an exhibition at BME in Liverpool celebrating the journey from a two-piece experimental band with a borrowed tape recorder, through all the hits and world tours. It is incredible to look back at the primitive instruments on display and remember that it was with this miscellaneous collection of decaying junk that we set out to change the world!"

On display is also the Vox Jaguar Organ on which Paul Humphreys played Electricity, Messages and Enola Gay, and the 1974 Fender Jazz Bass played by Andy on Enola Gay, Messages, Souvenir, Joan of Arc and Tesla Girls.

To complement the artefacts, there will be a short film featuring live footage of the band on the main stage screen at regular intervals throughout the day, and interactives that let you hear how the iconic instruments on display sounded in the original recordings.

The Merch Store will have a great range of OMD items for sale, including t-shirts, prints, limited edition box sets and books.

The exhibition is the latest instalment in the band's 40th Anniversary celebrations which have included the reissue of their 1st 4 classic albums on 180g vinyl, followed by a world tour which starts in Portugal in October and finishes in Paris in 2021.

A special, sold out Q&A session with OMD co-founders Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys will take place the evening before it opens to the public, on Thursday, 10 October 2019.

Visitors can see:- 'Souvenir: 40 Years of OMD,' when they purchase a general admission ticket for BME which can be bought at the venue, or online.

Harvey Goldsmith, CBE, Chair of the Trustees for the British Music Experience said:- "We are thrilled to celebrate OMD's 40 years with this exhibition. This much-loved band formed in Wirral will shine a light on the extremely popular electronic synth music of the '80s. A must for all fans."