PLANS to warn juries against believing in some of the myths surrounding rape have been welcomed in Dorset.

Many people are said to believe a host of misconceptions about rape – including the idea that provocative clothing or behaviour can imply consent to sex.

Other myths include the idea that “real” rape involves the victim struggling or being injured, or that legitimate allegations of rape will be reported promptly.

The solicitor-general, Vera Baird, is reported to be issuing directions to judges so they can warn jurors against believing in such myths.

Roni Jones, board member of the Family Justice Centre Project in Dorset, welcomed the developments.

She said: “Recent research is that most people still believe if the woman looks a certain way that she doesn’t have the right to say no.”

She said some men did not understand what constituted rape and that directions to courts needed to keep pace with changing attitudes.

“It’s only been since the 1990s that you could be tried for raping your wife. Until the 1990s, it was legal for you to do anything to your wife that you wanted to do. The culture is changing around us,” she said.

“As far as I can see, anything that gives anybody any education about rape and other serious sexual assault is for the better.”

Kate Brown, chief prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Dorset, said: “The CPS has a network of specialist prosecutors who are taught about the common myths surrounding rape. They do not allow these myths to influence their decisions and will always challenge them in the courtroom.

“Any changes that can help dispel these myths and increase the prospect of a conviction are welcomed.”

It is hoped the reforms could help increase the proportion of rape complaints that end in a conviction. Currently, only 6.5 per cent of rapes reported to police lead to a conviction, although of those cases prosecuted, 34 per cent result in conviction.