Reports of sexual offences in Avon and Somerset soar, yet charges remain alarmingly low at just 2 percent
Bristol: The number of sexual offences reported in the Bristol area has shot up by nearly 50% in just a year. But here’s the kicker—only a tiny fraction of those accused actually face charges.
New stats show that Avon and Somerset police received about 7,700 reports of sexual offences last year. That’s a jaw-dropping 46% increase from the previous year’s 5,725 reports.
However, the number of charges or summons issued is shockingly low. Out of all those reports, only 165 led to any legal action against the alleged offenders.
These figures come from Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, a legal firm that helps victims get compensation. They cover the year leading up to September 2024 in the Avon and Somerset area.
The most frequently reported crime was rape of women aged 16 and older, with 2,387 cases logged. Following that, there were 1,730 reports of sexual assault on females aged 13 and over. Most victims and offenders are between 16 and 35 years old.
Last year, the Chief Constable mentioned that only about one in six people who experience rape or serious sexual assault actually report it. This suggests the real number of offences could be over 30,000 annually, with only 2% leading to charges.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew attributed the 47% rise in reported rape cases to growing public confidence in the police. The rate of charges for rape allegations has increased from 3.5% four years ago to 17.4% now.
She said, “I’m confident that the increase in reporting is more about people feeling safe to come forward rather than an actual rise in offences.” The police have also launched Operation Bluestone, a new approach to handling rape cases, focusing on better support for victims and understanding perpetrator behavior.
Victims of sexual assault can apply for criminal injury compensation, even if no one is convicted. However, new data shows that only 13,313 applications were made nationwide, which is surprisingly low compared to the number of reported offences.
Ellie Lamey, a compensation specialist, pointed out that delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners are major concerns for victims. She emphasized the importance of support for victims and encouraged them not to be discouraged by the application process.
She also noted that many victims are rejected by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for various reasons, including not meeting the criteria for a violent crime or failing to cooperate with the investigation.
“It’s crucial for victims to know there’s help available and to report any historical abuse, no matter how long ago it happened,” she added. “Cooperating with the police and seeking medical help can make a big difference in their cases.”
According to CICA data from 2020-2022, 18% of applications were submitted after the two-year limit, but 61% of those still received compensation. With the right evidence, there can be exceptions to the time limits.
