Our thanks to Robert Whiston for bringing this BBC podcast to our attention. Ruth Alexander investigates why the published conviction rate for rape is so low, at 6.5%, compared to other crimes where the rate is 50% +. She learns that the rate for rape is calculated as the number of convictions as a percentage of initial complaints to the police, whereas the rates for all other crimes are convictions as a percentage of prosecutions. Why is rape calculated differently? Ruth Alexander concludes it is in order to move rape up the political agenda.

Is it ever justifiable to mis-represent figures to protect a vulnerable group? Let us know what you think.

Hear the podcast.