VIOLENT sex attacks against women are still going unreported.

Now the Home Office has launched a new handbook to encourage more victims to go to the police.

The guide is designed to make women aware of how sexually violent crimes are investigated and it is written from a victim's perspective.

Jenni Manners, who runs a shelter for victims of domestic in Swindon, said many women are gripped by feelings of disgust and self-loathing after sex assaults.

They often blame themselves and are too ashamed to contact the police.

"They will often just want to try and forget about it," she said.

"And there is a historical belief that they may not be treated sympathetically by the police, although they will be."

"There is a lingering feeling that they will be blamed, and this has happened, with women being told they were simply wearing the wrong clothes.

"There is also a huge fear of facing their attacker again in court.

"But nowadays there are all sorts of measures in place to protect them.

"We are often in a position of having to explain that to women.

"We never actively encourage them to go to the police, we just explain the options.

"This booklet is a really good idea. It needs to be distributed in as many places where women might go to seek help but not to report it, like doctors' surgeries."

From Report To Court A Handbook, explains what happens after the offence has been reported.

Help is also offered on coping during a court case.

It is intended to help women who are the victim of any type of sexually violent crime.

Free copies of the booklet are available from the Rights Of Women website at the website www.rightsofwomen.org.uk

It will also be distributed to support charities.

Ranjit Kaur, the director of Rights Of Women , said: "Sexual violence is a reality for thousands of women and it is avery traumatic experience.

"We are all concerned at the current low conviction rate for rape and the low rate of reporting of sexual violence."

Tamash Lal