Moves have been made to try to make reporting rape easier

They followed a report which showed the region had the worst conviction rates in Scotland.

Police joined forces with the area procurator fiscal, support groups and rape victims to review how such cases were dealt with.

A number of measures have been considered to make it easier for such crimes to be reported.

Procurator Fiscal Tom Dysart said that local organisations already worked closely together but it was important that they continued to do so.

He said it was vital that some myths about what constituted rape were dispelled.

Our force wants everyone to feel safe and any improvement we can employ we will consider Det Supt Brian Anderson

"Force need not be used," he said.

"There may be a perception that rapes are committed by strangers, but the truth is that most are committed by men known to their victims - including their partners.

"It is not easy for victims to come forward," he added.

"We appreciate that it takes courage for victims of rape to report these crimes.

"We are determined to address their anxieties and to overcome factors which may discourage them from contacting the police."

'Vile crimes'

Mr Dysart said police and prosecutors would ensure reports were investigated thoroughly and there would continue to be a presumption in favour of prosecution.

"This is our message to victims and also to those who would commit these vile crimes," he said.

"Sexual offences such as rape damage a victim both mentally and physically," added Detective Superintendent Brian Anderson.

"It is one of the most serious offences we deal with and developments like this are very encouraging.

"Our force wants everyone to feel safe and any improvement we can employ we will consider.

It is encouraging to be involved in raising such a taboo subject which has been neglected for so long Julie Chisholm Women's Aid

"I would encourage anyone who may have had such an experience to come forward.

"They do not need to suffer alone, as we have expertly trained staff to assist them."

Iraina McGroarty, director of the South West Rape Crisis Centre, said sexual abusers had to know they would be held accountable for their actions.

She said it was essential that all services did their utmost to support victims of such crimes.

"It is encouraging to be involved in raising such a taboo subject which has been neglected for so long," added Julie Chisholm of Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women's Aid.

"People no longer have to cope alone.

"Help and support is available."