FEMALE asylum seekers who claim to have been raped face discrimination when trying to have their cases heard, a new study has found.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh who interviewed 100 people who process asylum claims say that rape allegations are not being given the weight they deserve.

According to the report, delays in the process mean women often hold back from reporting rape or sexual violence, leading claims to be disbelieved.

The survey also found a "patchy" awareness of guidelines from UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff and an inconsistent approach towards their application.

Researchers concluded that men who make claims of rape are more likely to be believed than women, while some officials in the asylum process displayed an inclination to treat women's rape claims with suspicion.

Some staff avoided questioning women on rape, while others who took part in the survey were said to have become detached and "case hardened", leading to them to discount claims.

The study also found that interviews were sometimes conducted in an environment that provided limited opportunities for women to disclose incidents of rape.

Dr Sharon Cowan, senior lecturer in Criminal Law at the University of Edinburgh, said preconceived attitudes towards rape claims may affect women's asylum applications.