IT has been long understood that the number of women who have been raped or sexually assaulted is far higher than the number who report the crime to police.

It is understood but thankfully not accepted and measures have been put in place to increase confidence in the police and the justice system to encourage more women to come forward to allow the opportunity to catch more rapists and sex offenders.

More action is still needed on many fronts, including prosecutions and on sentencing of those convicted, but the pilot programme to offer support to women as soon as possible is to be welcomed.

The first hour or so following an attack is crucial. Women need to know there is someone there to help them though the process when they need it and to help secure evidence to ensure a conviction when the case later comes to court.

Hopefully, the pilot is successful and women are helped through what has been a horrific ordeal and resources are made available to fund it permanently.

The more support women receive, the greater likelihood there is of locking up more sex offenders and the more chance of reducing offending.

That is a goal we can all work towards.