RAPE is one of the most notoriously difficult crimes to investigate.

There are without doubt times that allegations are made up.

And there are other times when it simply comes down to one person’s word against another’s.

But there are also many times when the allegations are true, as well as cases where rape does not even reach the stage of being reported.

Whatever people say, police seem to do their utmost to investigate reports of rape and to follow them through to a conviction where possible.

And from what Oxford Mail staff see in court, it is clear juries often find rape the most difficult charge to convict on.

The devastating effect rape has on victims can be one of the most horrific of all crimes. Similarly, the stigma involved in a false accusation can also be life-changing.

It is right and proper that figures showing arrests, charges and convictions are made public so they can be scrutinised.

But the decisions involved in investigating rape are extremely complex and there are no easy answers.